Bets reminded vs. campaigning during ‘Traslacion’

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Hundreds of devotees gather in front of the Quiapo Church to join the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila Monday (Jan. 9, 2023).  (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday reminded candidates in the May 2025 national and local elections to refrain from campaigning during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January and respect the solemnity of the religious event.

Comelec Chair George Garcia said it is not yet the campaign season, urging poll bets to let the devotees spend Jan. 9 in prayers and devotion.

Millions of Black Nazarene devotees participate in the Traslacion procession every Jan. 9.

“Ang isang banal na gawain tulad ng Traslacion sa Quiapo ay hindi pinupulitika kahit pa nga maaring hindi pa simula ng kampanya at hindi pa kandidato. Pabayaan sana na ilaan ng mananampalataya ang panahon na ito upang makapag nilay-nilay at mapaigting ang kanilang debosyon,” he said in a statement.

The campaign period for those seeking national positions will begin on Feb. 11, or 90 days before the May 12 polls, and end May 10.

The local aspirants have 45 days to campaign, from March 28 to May 10.