March 30 Start of Philippine Election Campaign Period

Since March 29 falls on Good Friday, the supposed start of the campaign period for local candidates, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is moving it to the next day, March 30.

This was the clarification issued by city election officer Aimee Ferolino Ampoloquio in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Sunday afternoon.

Ampoloquio said that as per Comelec resolution 9385, March 29 marks the start of local candidates campaign with 45 days before the election day.

But she said March 29 is Good Friday and the Comelec has prohibited campaigning for that day. Section 5 of Republic Act 7166 provides that, in the preparation of the election calendar, the Commission may exclude the day before the election day itself, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

"Pwede sila ma-charge for violation of the campaign rules. Nationwide ang prohibition (They can be charged for violation of the campaign rules. The prohibition is nationwide,)" Ampoloquio said.

Given this fact, local candidates will only have 43 days period to do the campaign works.

Local candidates are allocated 45 days of campaigning but with mid-term elections set on May 13, the number of days are reduced.