During Holy Week: Comelec warns bets against campaigning

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has warned national and local candidates to suspend all campaigning on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in observance of the religious significance of Holy Week.

Comelec-7 regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe emphasized that these two days, April 17 and April 18, are considered sacred in the tradition and must be respected accordingly.

“Holy Thursday and Good Friday are prohibited days of campaigning…It’s more of giving value to our religious and spiritual belief and faith,” said Pobe.

He added that candidates who will be caught campaigning on these dates will be committing an election offense.

When asked if the electoral body would also penalize online campaigning, including social media posts, Pobe stressed that the prohibition is inclusive of all campaign-related activities.

The Comelec warned that those who violate this provision may face charges for an election offense, which carries penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment.

The campaign ban covers all forms of public campaigning, including rallies, motorcades, caravans, public speeches, and among others.

Campaign activities are expected to resume on April 19, Black Saturday, after the two-day prohibition.

This directive from the Comelec is in line with Republic Act 7166, particularly Section 5, which allows the exclusion of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday from the official campaign period.

“In the preparation of the election calendar, the Commission may exclude the day before the day of the election itself, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday,” reads a portion in the provision.

Section 5 also states that any election campaign or partisan political activity outside the designated campaign period is prohibited and shall be considered an election offense.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) has also pledged full support in implementing Comelec’s directive.

“Absolutely po. Kapag election period, ang boss po nating lahat ay ang Comelec,” said Police Colonel Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, speaking on behalf of PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan.

She assured the public that PRO-7 will assist Comelec in monitoring and enforcement to ensure that no violations occur during the Holy Week.

“The PRO-7 faithfully comply and help execute what needs to be done,” she said.

PRO-7 said that as part of its operational strategy, police visibility will be enhanced in places of convergence such as churches, religious sites, and major roads during the Holy Week.

Historically, Holy Week in Central Visayas sees a spike in incidents such as drowning, vehicular accidents, theft, robbery, physical injuries, and even crimes like rape.

“Usually po sa records, medyo tumataas (yung reported crimes),” she said.

According to the authorities’ analysis, the influx of people going on vacation, coupled with relaxed home security, often creates opportunities for crime.

They also cited instances of public disturbances, such as alarm and scandal cases.

PRO-7 also reminded the public of their shared responsibility in maintaining peace and order, especially during the holidays.

“Kapag pumupunta tayo sa ibang lugar, siguraduhin po natin na naka-lock yung bahay. Iwasan po natin yung mga pagkakataong manakawan,” Paraon-Bueno said.

She encouraged everyone to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and while traveling during the holiday season, as these are the peak times for crimes. —/ATO (FREEMAN)