Comelec reminds politicians not to campaign on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

Local

THE Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec 7) has reminded national and local candidates that all forms of campaigning, whether on the ground or online, are prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 17 and 18.

Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe said the campaign ban is grounded in Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code and supported by Section 5 of Republic Act 7166, which both exclude the two days from the official campaign period.

He explained that these dates are considered sacred and must be respected accordingly, stressing the importance of giving value to the country’s religious and spiritual beliefs.

Pobe added that candidates who are caught campaigning, even on social media, will be committing an election offense.

Violators may face charges that carry penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment, disqualification from public office, and other legal sanctions.

The prohibition applies to all public campaigning activities, including rallies, motorcades, caravans, speeches, and digital promotions. Campaigning will be allowed again on April 19, Black Saturday.

To ensure full compliance, the Police Regional Office- Central Visayas (PRO-7) has committed to assist Comelec 7 in enforcing the directive.

Col. Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, spokesperson of PRO-7, affirmed that the police will closely coordinate with Comelec 7 throughout the campaign ban period.

She said the PRO-7 would increase police visibility in areas of convergence such as churches, religious landmarks, and major roads, as part of its Holy Week safety strategy.

Paraon-Bueno also noted that crime reports typically increase during Holy Week due to more people traveling and leaving their homes unattended.

She urged the public to be cautious, secure their homes before going on trips, and remain vigilant in crowded places.

She reminded residents to avoid providing opportunities for theft or other criminal activities, especially during holidays when incidents like alarm and scandal, robbery, and physical injuries tend to spike.(MyTVCebu)