Candidates warned vs campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines – Campaigning is prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

This was the reminder raised by Commission on Elections Spokesperson James Jimenez on Wednesday to all candidates running for the midterm polls.

“Bukas at sa Biernes, ipinagbabawal ang pangangampanya – ilang mga halimbawa:  ang mga pa-caravan, motorcade, rally, walk-around, public speeches, at pagdi-distribute ng mga polyeto. #VoterEd #NLE2019,” Jimenez said in a tweet.

According to Commissioner Luie Guia, campaigning during the said dates is an election offense punishable by one to six years in prison, disqualification from public office and loss of the right to vote.

READ: Comelec: Holy Week campaigning a poll offense

An environmental watchdog also appealed to candidates in the May elections to not flood streets leading to pilgrimage sites with campaign materials.

The group urged the candidates to not exploit the Holy Week and the huge crowds expected to troop to popular pilgrimage sites during the season.

READ: Group of candidates: Spare Holy Week sites from politics