Comelec warns bets against campaigning

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.

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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.