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Comelec Pledges Equal Opportunity for All Candidates in 2025

As the 2025 election campaign approaches, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing equal opportunities for all candidates vying for national and local positions. Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized that the poll body will implement strict monitoring and guidelines to ensure a fair election process.

A Commitment to Fairness

In his statement, Garcia highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for all candidates, stating, It is our commitment for the 2025 election campaign. Equal opportunity for all. That's our commitment to the Filipino people. The Comelec chairman emphasized that the poll body will vigilantly enforce Republic Act (RA) 9006 or the Fair Elections Act and Batas Pambansa 881 or the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

Monitoring Campaign Expenses A Key Area of Focus

One crucial area where the Comelec will focus its efforts is on monitoring campaign expenses. Garcia explained that candidates or political parties must submit a full, true, and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures (SOCE) within 30 days from election day. This includes reporting any use of social media influencers and celebrities in election campaigns, even if they are rendered for free.

No Longer Accepting Free Passes

Garcia stressed that the Comelec will no longer accept the defense that a celebrity's services were given for free by a friend or supporter. We would always presume that they were paid, he said, adding that the poll body will investigate the amount paid by the candidate to the influencer or celebrity.

Election Surveys Transparency is Key

Another key area of focus is on election surveys. Garcia explained that Section 32 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Fair Elections Act has specific requirements for the publication of political surveys. These include revealing the person, party, or organization that commissioned the survey, as well as providing details on methodology, respondent selection, and margin of error.

A Commitment to Transparency

Garcia emphasized that transparency is crucial in ensuring a fair election process. We want to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to campaign and that voters are informed about the candidates' platforms and qualifications, he said. The Comelec chairman added that the poll body will collaborate closely with election watchdogs and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Comelec's commitment to providing equal opportunities for all candidates is vital in ensuring a fair election process. By implementing strict monitoring and guidelines, the poll body can help level the playing field and promote transparency and accountability in elections. As we approach the 2025 election campaign, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure a peaceful and democratic election process.

Keywords Comelec, election campaign, equal opportunity, fair elections, Republic Act (RA) 9006, Fair Elections Act, Omnibus Election Code (OEC), social media influencers, celebrities, campaign expenses, SOCE, election surveys, transparency.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.