Philippines: Campaign period begins, what you need to know
90-day campaign season for 66 senatorial sand 156 party-list candidates kicks off
Manila: Get ready, Philippines.
The mid-term election campaign season among 66 senatorial and 156 party-list candidates has officially kicked off today, February 11.
It runs for 90 days.
But before the banners fly and jingles blast (they already have, way before the official campaign period started), Comelec is laying down the law — enforcing rules against illegal election propaganda.
What’s hot, what’s not
Here’s your quick and easy guide to what’s hot, what’s not, and what candidates need to watch out for:
On the first of the 90-day campaign period for national candidates and political parties, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia led the takedowns (called “Oplan Balks”) of illegal campaign posters in Manila — those hanging on power distribution posts.
The election body reminded candidates and their supporters about responsible campaigning. For one, campaign ads on public utility buses (PUBs) are illegal, the agency stated.
The election chief explained that PUBs are considered public properties, as they operate on government-issued franchise.
The official campaign season for local positions won’t kick off until March 28.
Why the campaign period matters
Even before the official start, candidates have already splurged a staggering Php4 billion ($68.78 million) on TV and radio ads nationwide, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
And that’s not even counting what they’ve poured into social media, according to local news site Rappler.
Illegal posters
Before the campaign period even started, Comelec gave candidates 72 hours to clean up prohibited election materials from public spaces.
That means NO campaign posters on:
Traffic signs, electric posts, and streetlights
Government buildings and public schools
LRT, MRT, PNR trains and terminals
Barangay halls, health centres, waiting sheds
Gov’t-owned vehicles like ambulances & patrol cars
If candidates didn’t remove them in time — expect penalties.
Mark your calendars: No campaigning on these days
April 17 – Maundy Thursday
April 18 – Good Friday
May 11 – Election Eve
May 12 – Election Day
So, candidates, rest up or reflect — no speeches, posters, or ads allowed.
Campaign spending limits: Keep it under control
Comelec’s watching your wallets! Candidates can only spend:
₱3 per voter (if they have a political party)
₱5 per voter (if running independently)
₱5 per voter (for party-list groups)
Blow past that limit?
Expect big trouble, at least in theory.
Poster, streamer, billboard rules
Bigger isn’t always better. Here’s what’s allowed:
Flyers & leaflets: Max size 8.5” x 14”
Posters: Max 2 feet x 3 feet
Streamers for rallies: Max 3 feet x 8 feet, displayed only 5 days before & removed within 24 hours after
Billboards
National candidates get 2 months, while local candidates get 1 month — but they must be spaced apart (1 km for national, 500m for local).
Eco-friendly campaigning is in
Candidates must use recyclable or biodegradable materials and print:
“This material should be recycled or disposed of responsibly.”
So no toxic, hazardous, or plastic-heavy campaign junk is allowed.
What’s absolutely banned?
Posting campaign materials outside designated areas
Printing or airing offensive, obscene, or gender-insensitive ads
Displaying election materials in private properties without permission
Break the rules? Comelec is watching.
Campaign kickoffs: Who’s starting where?
Kiko Pangilinan & Bam Aquino: Mass at UP, then rally in Cavite
Marcos Jr.’s slate (Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas): Laoag City
PDP-Laban candidates: Club Filipino, San Juan (Feb 13)
Koalisyong Makabayan: Grassroots campaign at Kartilya ng Katipunan
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