COMELEC Pushes Forward Amid Campaign Controversies: The Road to 2025 Elections

As the Philippines gears up for the 2025 national elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is moving swiftly to ensure that the election process runs smoothly. However, despite its preparation, the election body faces mounting challenges and criticisms from various sectors, including political candidates and the public.

On January 5, 2025, the COMELEC made significant strides in its preparations, announcing the official release of the ballot template for the upcoming elections. The new template reflects the final list of candidates, which has been a point of contention among political groups. With over 60 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots in May 2025, the COMELEC is set to begin printing the election ballots, a crucial step in the process. The printing of ballots will take place in several locations across the country, with the first batch to be distributed in February, ahead of the official campaign period that will begin in March.

While the logistical preparations for the elections are in full swing, the COMELEC is also dealing with mounting concerns over early campaigning. Several candidates have already been accused of violating election rules by putting up campaign materials even before the official start of the campaign period. According to COMELEC officials, these actions are not only a violation of the law but could also test the patience of voters, leading to disillusionment and distrust in the election system.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia has been vocal in his criticism of the political candidates who are taking advantage of holidays and religious events, such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene, to campaign prematurely. He warned political aspirants that such actions will not go unnoticed and that the COMELEC will enforce sanctions to deter early campaigning. The Feast of the Black Nazarene, celebrated every January 9 in Manila, is one of the most significant religious events in the country, and using it for political gain has sparked outrage among many voters who view it as an act of disrespect.

Despite these challenges, the COMELEC insists that it is not derailed by the political climate. In fact, the election body has taken proactive steps to address pressing concerns, including monitoring social media platforms where early campaigning is rampant. With political ads already flooding the internet and social media channels, the COMELEC is closely scrutinizing these platforms to ensure compliance with election laws.

Garcia also urged candidates to avoid exploiting the “kapistahan” or religious celebrations for political gain, stressing that the public is more aware than ever of such tactics. While political campaigning is a fundamental right of candidates, COMELEC has been clear in its stance that campaigns should be conducted in accordance with the law, with clear-cut regulations to prevent exploitation of religious events or public holidays.

The COMELEC’s call for adherence to campaign rules comes amidst criticism of political figures using the face of the Black Nazarene for promotional purposes, with the election body expressing its dismay over these actions. The political landscape in the Philippines has often been marred by accusations of candidates using questionable tactics to gain public favor before the official start of the campaign season.

Additionally, the COMELEC’s efforts to ensure transparency have led to the release of updated guidelines on the distribution of campaign materials, as well as new rules on political ads. The commission has already issued guidelines on how candidates should conduct their campaign activities, emphasizing that no candidate can begin their campaign until the official start of the period in March. However, despite these regulations, many are skeptical that the COMELEC can effectively curb premature campaigning, given the pervasive nature of social media and the tendency of some candidates to push boundaries.

As the election season heats up, the COMELEC remains focused on ensuring that the election process is fair and transparent. Voters are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any violations of election laws to the commission. With its preparations steadily moving forward, the COMELEC is determined to avoid further controversies that could undermine the integrity of the 2025 polls. Nonetheless, political maneuvering and public sentiments suggest that the road to the elections will continue to be fraught with challenges for both the election body and the candidates vying for public office.