How to Use Campaigning Effectively A Step-by-Step Guide This title accurately reflects the content of the post, which provides a comprehensive guide on how to run an effective and ethical campaign during the 90-day period leading up to national elections.

How to Use Campaigning Effectively A Step-by-Step Guide

As the 90-day campaign period for national candidates kicks off, it's crucial that you understand what's allowed and what's not during this critical period. As a candidate or political party, navigating the rules and regulations can be daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to run an effective and ethical campaign.

Campaigning Period Reminders

The campaign period will take place from February 11th to May 10th, with a brief pause on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. During this time, national candidates and their supporters are free to promote their platforms and connect with voters.

Understanding What's Allowed and What's Not

To ensure compliance with election laws, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules regarding campaign materials. According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), any campaign materials posted outside of designated common poster areas must be removed by the start of the campaign period. Failure to do so may result in legal sanctions.

Campaign Expenditures A Critical Reminder

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia has reiterated the importance of complying with election laws on campaign expenditures. It's not just about winning – it's also about doing so fairly and transparently. Candidates who fail to comply risk disqualification and even a jail term.

Airtime Limitations

Radio and TV ads for national candidates are limited to 120 minutes per TV station and 180 minutes per radio station. For local candidates, the airtime must not exceed 60 minutes per TV station and 90 minutes per radio station. By understanding these limitations, you can ensure your message gets heard without breaking the rules.

Online Campaigning The New Frontier

Online campaigning is also allowed, but with certain restrictions. To ensure transparency, you must register your official campaign websites and social media accounts with the Comelec, and report any paid political advertisements to the commission. Don't forget to follow the cost limitations set for traditional media.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Campaigning A Word of Caution

The Comelec has emphasized the importance of equal opportunity for all election stakeholders when it comes to using AI and social media platforms as a form of campaigning. However, the use of AI deepfake is considered a misrepresentation, which is an election offense.

Reporting Social Media Influencers and Celebrities

This year's elections require candidates or political parties to report in their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) any use of social media influencers and celebrities in election campaigns, even if the services were rendered for free or at no cost. Transparency is key to maintaining public trust.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Security Measures

The PNP has launched a 100-day security plan aimed at addressing potential threats, dismantling private armed groups, and maintaining order before, during, and after the elections. With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s extension of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil's term beyond the May elections, you can be assured that the PNP will remain impartial and proactive in preventing any form of political violence.

By following these guidelines and best practices, you'll be well on your way to using campaigning effectively and ethically. Remember to stay focused, transparent, and committed to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process at the forefront of your campaign strategy.

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.