BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
Even now, Nanay Vilma is carefully evaluating the candidates for the May 2025 elections, she says she examines every detail and qualification of the candidates.
“The important thing is that they are humane and godly, at least they understand the struggles of the people and won’t do anything wrong,” said Vilma Sinadcop.
Nanay Vilma believes that the start of the campaign period will help her get to know the candidates better.
“I hope that the candidates don’t just remember the campaign period but also the people who voted for them,” she added.
Starting February 11, or this coming Tuesday, the campaign period for senatorial aspirants and party-list groups officially begins.
At this time, candidates will be formally recognized as running for office.
That’s why the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is already warning those who will violate campaign rules.
This includes placing posters in unauthorized areas.
Atty. John Paul Martin, Election Officer of the COMELEC-Baguio, mentioned, “According to the resolution, this should be voluntary before February 8. If they don’t comply, it’s a violation of our campaign rules.”
Because of this, COMELEC-Baguio has already ordered some establishments in the city to remove election materials.
“Actually, as early as January 27, one week ago, we sent them a letter. Their posters have no permit, and I’m not just talking about missing permits but also the required secured permits. They need to take them down,” Martin added.
COMELEC emphasizes the importance of following the 10 campaign tips under Resolution No. 11086:
- Use election propaganda that complies with the law.
- Use environmentally sustainable election materials.
- Spend only within the allowed limit—₱3 per registered voter, and ₱5 for independent candidates.
- Party-list groups and political parties are also limited to ₱5 per voter.
- Post campaign materials only in authorized common poster areas or private properties with the owner’s consent. Public spaces are off-limits.
- Do not engage in vote-buying.
- Remove prohibited propaganda materials before the campaign period.
- Follow rules on the use of social media, artificial intelligence, and internet technology in digital election campaigns.
- Register social media accounts with COMELEC and disclose AI use while avoiding prohibited activities.
- Follow the approved sizes for campaign materials set by COMELEC.
