Comelec calls on BPE bets to follow rules as campaign period starts

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reminded them not to engage in prohibited acts during the period. (File Photo: COMELEC/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged all candidates and political parties to strictly follow the rules and regulations for the 45-day campaign period for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), which is set to start on Thursday.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reminded them not to engage in prohibited acts during the period.

“Whatever rules were implemented in the May 2025 polls, they will also be implemented starting tomorrow, especially for candidates and political parties,” he said in an interview Wednesday.

“Starting midnight (Thursday), we will fully implement all election laws, especially for candidates and political parties. I hope the campaigning will go smoothly so we can prove that we can conduct fair elections in the Bangsamoro.”

Prohibited during the campaign period are the following: giving donations by a candidate, his or her spouse, or any relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or his campaign manager, or representative; the appointment or use of special police personnel, confidential agents, or persons performing similar functions; the appointment or hiring of new employees; creation of new positions in a government agency, or instrumentality, whether national or local, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), except upon prior authority of the commission; and promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration, or privileges to any government official or employee, including those in GOCCs.

Also barred during the period are the release, disbursement, expenditures of public funds; construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, except for projects or works exempted, and the issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices; the removal, destruction, obliteration, or in any manner defacing or tampering with, or preventing the distribution of lawful election propaganda; the use of armored land, water, or air craft; and the deployment of police personnel as bodyguards or security guards.

Meanwhile, Garcia also said they will resume on Thursday all their preparations for the Oct. 13 polls, including the continuation of the printing of official ballots, at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City.

“Tomorrow (Aug. 28) morning, the printing of the ballots will resume. We have adopted a resolution, which says we will continue with our preparations for the election,” he said.

“We can no longer wait for the law because it has not yet been signed. It’s only more than 40 days left before the elections, yet it is still very uncertain. So, the en banc decided to proceed with all the preparations.”

Last week, the commission temporarily suspended the start of the printing of the BPE ballots after receiving information on the bill redistricting the BARMM.