Important Dates for the 2019 Philippine Elections

Elections road sign

            The election fever has once more hit the Philippines as we brace ourselves for the May 13, 2019 elections. However, it is important to remember that certain acts are prohibited during certain times. Our excitement should not prevent us from acting with utmost cautions to prevent violation of election laws. Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10429 and election laws, here are the important dates concerning the election and campaign period:

 

 13 January 2019 to 12 June 2019 – ELECTION PERIOD

12 February 2019 to 11 May 2019 – CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES FOR SENATORS AND PARTY-LIST GROUPS PARTICIPATING IN THE PARTY-LIST SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATION

29 March 2019 to 11 May 2019 – CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES AND ELECTIVE REGIONAL, PROVINCIAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

12 May 2019 – EVE OF ELECTION DAY

13 May 2019 – ELECTION DAY

12 June 2019 – LAST DAY TO FILE SOCE (STATEMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENSES) BY THE CANDIDATES

 

Please see below a list of acts prohibited during the election period:

 Bearing of firearms or other deadly weapons (unless authorized by Comelec)

 Suspending elective local officials

 Moving or transferring government employees in the civil service

 Altering territories of precincts

 Use or maintenance of reaction or strike forces

 Use by candidates of bodyguards or security staff (unless authorized by Comelec)

 

 

On the other hand, the following are prohibited during the campaign period:

  Committing acts in violation of the use of lawful election paraphernalia

 Committing acts constituting prohibited forms of election propaganda

 Giving of donations, in cash or in kind, by the candidate, his spouse, relative within 2nd degree of consanguinity or affinity, his campaign manager, agent or representative

 Use of the candidates of special policemen and confidential agents

 Construction of public works and the like by the candidate

 Appointing or hiring new employees or promoting employees by the candidate

 Releasing and disbursing public funds by the candidates

It must be emphasized that campaigning is prohibited on 28 March 2019 (Holy Thursday) and 29 March 2019 (Good Friday).

 

The following acts are prohibited on 12 May 2019 or the eve of election day:

 Campaigning

 Giving or accepting free transportation, food, drinks or anything of value from a candidate or his representatives

 Selling, buying or taking intoxicating liquor

 

During election day, or on 13 May 2019, the following acts are prohibited:

 Campaigning

 Giving or accepting free transportation, food, drinks or anything of value from a candidate or his representatives

 Selling, buying or taking intoxicating liquor

 Buying or selling votes

 Voting more than once

 Soliciting votes for or against a candidate in the polling place and within 30 meters thereof

 Selling of food and drinks and opening stall or booths in the polling place and within 30 meters thereof

 Holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races, jai-alai or similar sports

 

             Violation of the prohibited acts enumerated above are considered as election offenses which are punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than six years, without probation.

 Act and vote wisely this May 13, 2019!

 

Nicolas & De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 4706126, +632 4706130, +632 4016392 or e-mail us at [email protected] . Visit our website www.ndvlaw.com .

 

 

 

 

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