🗳️ May 12, 2025: ELECTION DAY in the Philippines – What You Need to Know 🇵🇭

The long-anticipated Election Day 2025 in the Philippines falls on May 12, 2025 (Monday), marking one of the most critical civic events in the country’s democratic process. This guide covers all the key activities, legal boundaries, and significant procedures that make this day pivotal not only for voters, but also for candidates, election officials, and the justice system. Whether you're casting your ballot or involved in the administration of the elections, knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential for a smooth, legal, and fair voting experience.

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🕛 Substitution Deadline and Candidate Changes ⚖️

By midday of Election Day, substitution of official candidates belonging to a political party or coalition is still permitted—but only if the original candidate has died or was disqualified for any reason. This is a final opportunity to file the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a substitute candidate, and must be done in compliance with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) guidelines, as laid out in Resolution No. 10954.

Also, the last chance to substitute Party-List nominees due to death or incapacity falls on this day. No changes are allowed beyond this point, ensuring that voters know exactly who they are voting for.

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🗳️ Casting of Votes and Voting Schedule 🕒

Voting officially begins on May 12, 2025, with the casting of votes and the immediate commencement of counting and consolidation across precincts nationwide. According to Republic Act No. 7166, this is a critical day for electoral engagement, with voters across the country exercising their democratic right.

A key feature of the 2025 elections is the continued accommodation for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). They are allowed to vote until 3:00 PM in designated Special Polling Places inside jails (SPP-IJ). This affirms the constitutional right of all Filipinos, regardless of circumstance, to participate in the electoral process.

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🚫 Prohibited Acts on Election Day ❌

COMELEC and election laws strongly emphasize the sanctity of the voting environment, and thus strictly prohibit several acts during Election Day:

• Voting more than once or voting as a substitute for another person is a criminal offense. Violators may face serious legal consequences under the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

• Any form of campaigning, including soliciting votes or distributing propaganda, is strictly banned within 30 meters of any polling place.

• The sale, display, or consumption of food, beverages, or merchandise is forbidden within a 30-meter radius of polling stations. This applies to booths, stalls, and temporary stands.

• Entertainment events such as cockfighting, horse races, boxing matches, and other sports are suspended on Election Day to preserve the dignity and focus of the occasion.

These restrictions are outlined under various sections of the OEC, with the goal of ensuring peaceful and orderly voting conditions.

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🧾 Canvassing, Overseas Voting, and Local Absentee Voting 🌍

On Election Day, boards of canvassers at multiple levels—Municipal, City, District, Provincial, Regional, and even the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC)—are convened for the purpose of vote consolidation and counting. This includes:

• Start of vote counting for Local Absentee Voting (LAV)

• Last day for Overseas Filipino Voters to cast their ballots as polls officially close by end of Philippine time

• Proclamation of winning city and municipal officials is expected to begin immediately after May 12 and continue through May 15, 2025.

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📩 Compliance Reminders: Election Contributions and Expenses 💼

From May 12 to May 16, 2025, Election Officers (EOs) are required to formally notify all candidates, within their respective jurisdictions, regarding the filing of their Sworn Statements of Election Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). This step is crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Per Section 14 of R.A. No. 7166, candidates must file their SOCEs regardless of election outcome, and failure to comply may lead to penalties, disqualification from holding public office, or other sanctions as prescribed by law.

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✅ Final Thought: Be a Responsible Voter 🧠

As Election Day 2025 unfolds, every vote matters. Observing election laws and upholding ethical conduct doesn’t only ensure the legitimacy of results—it also protects the integrity of Philippine democracy. Whether you’re voting, managing a precinct, or simply observing, remember: your informed and responsible participation is the foundation of a government truly chosen by the people.

🗳️ May 11, 2025: Eve of Election Day in the Philippines – What’s Legal, What’s Not 🚫

As the Eve of Election Day on May 11, 2025 (Sunday) approaches, it's crucial for every voter, candidate, and political party to understand the strict regulations in place. This day, though still part of the election period, comes with specific prohibitions intended to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. These rules are not just guidelines—they are laws, and violations come with serious consequences.

🚷 Campaigning Prohibited: The Silence Before the Vote 🛑

According to Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7166, all forms of campaigning are strictly prohibited on the day before the election. This includes rallies, distribution of pamphlets, social media promotion, and even subtle canvassing.

The rationale behind this rule is to give voters a quiet, pressure-free period to reflect on their choices. No more noise, no more influence—just informed decision-making. Any candidate, political party, or organization caught violating this can face penalties and possible disqualification. Even private individuals who aid in such activities can be held accountable under the law.

🍗 No Freebies: Ban on Giving or Accepting Transportation, Food, or Drinks 🎁

Still under Section 5 of RA 7166, it is unlawful to give or accept, directly or indirectly, any free transportation, food, drinks, or other items of value on this day. This applies not just to candidates but also to any person acting on behalf of them.

The idea is to prevent last-minute vote-buying disguised as generosity. Even offering snacks or refreshments during a campaign-related activity is considered a violation. Enforcement is strict—watchdogs and observers are actively monitoring these activities across the country.

🥃 Liquor Ban in Effect: No Alcohol Sales or Consumption in Public Places 🍺

The Omnibus Election Code (Section 89) also enforces a nationwide liquor ban on the eve of elections. This means selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, or drinking intoxicating liquor is illegal during this period.

There are only a few exceptions:

• Hotels and establishments certified by the Department of Tourism as tourist-oriented and that habitually cater to foreigners may serve liquor.

• Foreign tourists staying in these establishments are allowed to drink, but only within the premises and under prior authority from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The liquor ban is a preventive measure to avoid alcohol-fueled violence, especially in hotspots known for intense political rivalries. Local government units often coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure compliance.

⚖️ Vote Buying and Other Prohibited Acts: Stay on the Right Side of the Law 💰

Under Section 261 (dd), (1) of the Omnibus Election Code, vote buying, indirect contributions, and the distribution of valuable items are also strictly prohibited on this day. Any attempt to sway voter decisions by offering money or gifts is a direct assault on the integrity of the democratic process.

What constitutes a violation?

• Giving out envelopes with cash

• Handing out items with the candidate’s face or name

• Paying for voters’ transportation to polling precincts

• Sponsoring community meals disguised as “public service”

Even if done subtly, these actions fall under election offenses and can lead to criminal charges, disqualification, or imprisonment. Authorities are keen on monitoring these practices, especially in areas with a history of electoral fraud.

🛡️ Be a Responsible Citizen: What You Should Do on the Eve of Elections 🇵🇭

This is a day of silent reflection and civic responsibility. Respect the law and inform others who may not be aware of these prohibitions. If you see any violations, report them to the nearest COMELEC office or PNP station.

Let the democratic process thrive in peace, order, and honesty. Your vote is your voice—don’t let it be drowned by illegal practices.