Comelec Reminds Voters and Candidates Before Election Day
As the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections draw near, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released important reminders for voters and candidates alike. Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia emphasized the start of the campaign ban on May 11, the day before Election Day.
He also highlighted the nationwide liquor ban that will be in effect on the election eve. Candidates are urged to remove their large campaign tarpaulins from highways immediately. According to Garcia, leaving these materials up could still be considered active campaigning, which may lead to legal complaints from opponents.
Campaign Periods and Restrictions
Comelec Resolution No. 11086 enforces Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act. It sets the campaign period for national positions from February 11 to May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, local candidates may campaign from March 28 until May 10. However, campaigning is strictly prohibited on Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), the eve of Election Day (May 11), and on Election Day itself (May 12).
Voting Guidelines for May 12
Voters are also reminded of proper conduct on Election Day. Early voting hours for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women will run from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular voters can cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
To ensure a smooth voting experience, prepare a cheat sheet or “kodigo” beforehand. Know your voting precinct by checking your voter’s information sheet or using the online precinct finder. Always shade your ballots properly and maintain respectful behavior inside polling centers.
On the other hand, avoid overvoting, taking selfies or photos inside polling places, and removing voter’s receipts, marking pens, or ballot secrecy folders outside the precinct.
Election Statistics and Voting Periods
A total of 18,320 positions will be contested in the May 2025 elections. This includes 12 senatorial seats, 63 party-list representatives, and 254 House members. Locally, voters will choose from 82 governors and vice-governors, 840 provincial board members, 149 city mayors and vice-mayors, and 1,493 municipal mayors and vice-mayors. There are also 1,690 city council seats and 11,948 municipal council positions up for grabs.
Registered voters total 69,673,655, with 68,431,965 based in the Philippines and 1,241,690 overseas. Overseas voters can cast their ballots from April 13 until May 12, while local absentee voting is scheduled for April 28 to 30, 2025.