Every election year comes with rules—not just for voters but for everyone working in government, public service, and even media.
COMELEC Resolution No. 10999, issued on May 24, 2024, lays out the official schedule and key restrictions for the 2025 National and Local Elections, including the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on May 12, 2025.
This resolution sets the tone for the entire election period, identifying when certain actions are banned, when campaigns start, and how absentee and overseas voting will be handled.
Key Election Dates You Need to Know
The election period officially runs from January 12 to June 11, 2025.
This isn’t just the time when candidates start shaking hands and giving speeches.
It’s also the window when election rules are in full effect.
During this time, even simple actions—like hiring a new employee or transferring a teacher—can be considered violations.
The campaign period for national candidates (Senators and Party-list groups) begins on February 11 and ends on May 10, 2025.
For local candidates (governors, mayors, councilors), campaigning starts March 28 and also ends on May 10, 2025.
Election Period Activities and Bans
The resolution clearly outlines what activities are allowed and what are prohibited during the election season.
From January 12 to June 11, it is prohibited to transfer or detail government employees, including public school teachers, unless COMELEC gives written approval.
This is done to prevent political manipulation, like moving teachers or civil workers around to favor certain candidates.
During the campaign period from March 28 to May 11, it is not allowed to hire new personnel, create new positions, or give promotions, raises, or benefits, unless COMELEC permits it in writing.
These bans exist to stop the misuse of public funds and government positions for political gain.
Certificate of Candidacy Filing Schedule
For those who will run for public office in 2025, the schedule is clear.
Candidates for both national and local positions must file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) between October 1 and October 8, 2024.
During this same period, party-list groups must submit their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CON-CAN).
Those substituting for a candidate—perhaps due to withdrawal or disqualification—can also file during this time.
However, substitutions are only allowed beyond October 8 if the original candidate dies or is disqualified, and only up until midday of election day, May 12, 2025.
When Will You Vote?
Election day is set for Monday, May 12, 2025.
This is when voters across the country will go to their assigned precincts to cast their votes.
Local Absentee Voting (LAV), designed for military, police, media workers, and government employees on duty during the election, will be conducted from April 28 to 30, 2025.
Overseas voting will happen from April 13 to May 12, 2025, giving Filipinos abroad a full month to participate.
What This Means for Civil Servants and Public Offices
If you’re working in the government, especially in human resources or administration, this resolution directly affects how your office operates.
You must:
- Hold off on personnel movements unless cleared by COMELEC
- Avoid promotions and salary adjustments without clearance
- Pause any creation of new government positions unless absolutely necessary and approved
This also means planning your programs and budget requests ahead of time to avoid issues during the restricted periods.
For Teachers, Soldiers, Police, and Media
You play a critical role during elections.
This resolution protects your rights while maintaining neutrality and fairness.
For example, teachers who serve as Board of Election Inspectors cannot be transferred to another school during the election period.
Military and police forces, tasked with keeping the peace, must remain impartial and avoid involvement in political activities.
Media workers who cover election-related events must ensure fair and accurate reporting without endorsing candidates.
For Aspiring Politicians and Their Teams
Whether you’re aiming for barangay captain or senator, this resolution tells you when to move.
Stick to the filing period for COCs.
Wait for your campaign period before launching public activities.
Avoid premature campaigning—it’s one of the fastest ways to disqualify yourself.
Understand what is legal and what is not:
- No hiring sprees
- No new job titles to attract supporters
- No quick promotions that may look like bribes in disguise
These actions may lead to administrative or even criminal charges.
Why These Restrictions Matter
COMELEC doesn’t issue these resolutions just for paperwork.
Each rule is based on past experiences and legal guidelines to keep elections fair and credible.
Allowing unchecked hiring, movement of civil workers, or early campaigning gives undue advantage to candidates already in power.
It creates an uneven playing field where ordinary candidates cannot compete.
By setting boundaries, COMELEC ensures voters decide based on platforms and character—not influence or favoritism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is early campaigning allowed before the official campaign period?
No. Any public promotion of a candidate before the official campaign period can be considered premature campaigning. - Can a government office promote someone during the election period?
Only if it has COMELEC’s written approval. Otherwise, such actions are prohibited. - What if a candidate dies after filing their COC?
A substitute may file in their place, but only if the reason is death or disqualification, and before midday of election day. - Is the gun ban part of this resolution?
Yes. A nationwide gun ban takes effect during the election period, from January 12 to June 11, 2025.
Conclusion
COMELEC Resolution No. 10999 is more than a list of dos and don’ts.
It is a map.
A guide that leads us through the election season with fairness, transparency, and order.
Whether you’re casting a vote or helping run the show, you play a role in shaping the nation.
Let’s do it right.
Stay informed.
Stay compliant.
And most of all, stay true to what democracy is all about—choice, fairness, and respect.