Campaign period for local bets off to a Good (Friday) start

While the campaign period for candidates for national position will start on Tuesday, Feb. 9, candidates for local position cannot start their campaign even on the date set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), according to election law expert Atty. Romulo Macalintal.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 9981 dated Aug. 18, 2015, local candidates can start their campaign on March 25.

However, Macalintal said March 25 is Good Friday and part of Catholic celebration of the Holy Week.

“Under Section 5 of Republic Act 7166 (An act providing for synchronized national and local elections and for electoral reforms, authorizing appropriations therefor and for other purposes), campaigning is not allowed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday,” Macalintal explained.

“Thus, the local candidates will actually start their campaign period on March 26,” Macalintal added.

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