“Public trust is public government”
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued rules and regulations on governing campaigns activities for the 2025 midterm election. A 32-page resolution released yesterday stated that poll candidates and their supporters are encouraged to use environmentally-friendly and recyclable materials for their campaign paraphernalia.
According to the poll body, the use of materials containing hazardous materials and substances must be avoided. “Candidates and political parties are required to indicate their campaign materials the phrase,” This material should be recycled or disposed properly in a responsible manner.
The Comelec stated that all candidates must comply with the policies of the local government units that intend to protect the environment , particularly the use of plastic and other similar materials. Candidates were warned against disregarding the intellectual property rights in their campaign, including the use of music and slogans as well as merchandise that can be viewed as copyright infringement due to lack of permit or consent from the owners.
Violators will be referred to the Intellectual property Office of the Philippines for proper action. The Comelec said lawful campaign materials in authorized or designated common areas in public areas as well as private property upon the consent of the owner.
Any prohibited form of election propaganda will be stopped, confiscated, removed, or taken down by the Comelec. Any person, party, association and government agency may report prohibited forms or illegal posting of election materials to the poll body. Candidates are given 72 hours upon receipt of notice to remove prohibited election materials, The Comelec said. This includes images, logos, brands, insignias, and other forms of graphical representations on all public structures and in public places.
The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates starts on February 11, 2025 and on March 28 for congressional, provincial, city, and municipal hopefuls, including those running for the Bangsamoro parliament.
