Earlier this month, from October 1 to October 8, aspirants for public posts filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COC) equipped with promises of better economy, better policy, better opportunity and better life to their respective constituency. The time has come again when we, the happy people of Catanduanes, are given the power and duty to choose our next leaders – twelve (12) senators, our representative in the House of Representatives, party-list representative, our governor and vice governor, Provincial Board Members, respective mayors, vice mayors and municipal councilors.
I will not be endorsing or promoting any candidate in this column. It is our obligation to look into the respective qualifications and platforms of the candidates.
In this week’s edition, for the knowledge and information of my fellow Catandunganons, I will discuss the important dates leading to the May 2025 midterm elections as well as its significance.
To reiterate, the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for all elective positions and the filing of Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) were held on October 1 to 8 including Saturday and Sunday. Then, on October 29, 2024, the posting of the tentative list of candidates at the COMELEC website and at the offices where COCs were filed shall commence. The purpose of the posting is to afford the aspirants to check their names to appear on the official ballot.
As per COMELEC Resolution No. 10999, the election period shall run from January 12, 2025 up until June 11, 2025. During this period the following acts, among other things, are prohibited (1) Bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the Commission; and (2) Suspension of elective provincial, city, municipality or barangay officer without prior approval of the Commission.
Thereafter, on February 11, 2025, the campaign period for candidates for Senator and party-list groups participating in the party-list system representation shall start. This campaign period for national posts shall run until May 10, 2025.
During such period, the Omnibus Election Code, particularly Section 104 thereof, strictly prohibits any candidate, his or her spouse, or any relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity or his campaign manager, agent or representative to give donations.
The start of campaign period for local elective position shall be from March 28, 25 up until May 10, 2025. During this period, the following acts are prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code, to wit: (1) Appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new position, filling of new positions in government office, agency or instrumentality; (2) Giving promotions, salary increases, remunerations or privileges to any government office or employee, including those in government owned and controlled corporations.
Worthy to note that it is expressly prohibited to conduct campaign stints on April 17 and 18, 2025 which are the commemoration of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The eve of Election Day, May 11, 2025, is not included in the campaign period, thus, campaigning during this time is strictly prohibited. In addition to that, selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or taking intoxicating liquor are also prohibited.
The midterm election, “mid-term” as it is being conducted midpoint of the six-year term of the Philippine President, shall be held on May 12, 2025. This is pursuant to the mandate of Article VI, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which state that “unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of the Senators and the Member of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May”. As ruled by the Supreme Court in Osmena vs Comelec (G.R. 100318, July 30, 1991), it is the intention of the 1987 Constitution to have synchronized national and local elections every three (3) years.
The canvassing of results and the proclamation of winners for senatorial, congressional, party-list, provincial, city and municipal elections shall be made from May 13 to May 19, 2025. The last day of the election period, June 11, 2025, is also the last day for candidates to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). As enshrined under Republic Act No. 7166, every candidate and political party shall, within thirty (30) days after the day of the election, file with the COMELEC the full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the elections.