Campaign Silence Period Starts May 11
Beginning Sunday, May 11, 2025, all forms of campaigning will be prohibited as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) enforces the mandatory campaign silence period ahead of election day. Along with this, a nationwide liquor ban will also take effect to ensure a peaceful voting environment.
Comelec has called on candidates and their supporters to start removing campaign materials immediately. Large tarpaulins and other promotional items left hanging after this date will be considered violations of election rules.
Campaign Silence Period Includes Social Media
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia stressed that the campaign silence period covers not only physical campaigning but also activities on social media. “Pakipatanggal na po kasi baka ma-consider yan na kampanyahan pa rin. At siyempre kahit sa social media,” he said, urging everyone to take down materials online as well.
He added, “Kapag sinabi namin na bawal ang kampanya, hindi lang ito pagbawal sa paglalakad, pag-iikot, at pangangamay sa kalsada o bahay-bahay. Kasama rin dito ang social media.”
(This means the ban on campaigning applies to walkabouts, house visits, and social media activities.)
Rules on Election Day and Attire
On election day itself, May 12, candidates are reminded to avoid roaming around after voting to prevent any appearance of last-minute campaigning. However, wearing colored clothes is allowed as long as there are no printed images or names of the candidates on them.
“Pwede naman magsuot ng anumang kulay ang kandidato basta walang nakaimprentang larawan,” said Garcia, clarifying the dress code for voters and candidates alike.
Vote-Buying Concerns Ahead of Polls
Comelec is also keeping a close watch on vote-buying, which tends to increase just before elections. Garcia warned that both those who buy votes and those who sell them will face legal consequences.
“Okay lang na pumapasok at nakapila ka, basta walang nakikita. Pero kapag lumabas na may dalang sobre o card ng kandidato, yan na ang vote-buying,” he explained. “Diyan po kami magmamatyag nang mabuti.”
(It’s fine to enter and line up without anything suspicious, but leaving with an envelope or candidate’s card is vote-buying, and that is what we will closely monitor.)
Ensuring a Peaceful and Orderly Election
The Comelec expressed confidence that the May 12 elections will proceed peacefully and in an orderly manner. “Naniniwala kami sa mga botante na boboto sila ng maayos at magiging tahimik ang eleksyon,” Garcia said.
He also mentioned that voting is expected to finish early thanks to an efficient system set up to speed up the process and the proclamation of winners.
Polling precincts will open as early as 5 a.m. to accommodate senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters, allowing them to vote until 7 a.m. Regular voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Comelec urges the public to stay vigilant and report any violations to help maintain clean and honest elections.
For continued updates on Eleksyon 2025, voters are encouraged to follow official announcements and trusted news sources.