On December 9, 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) released Resolution No. 11086 to update the rules for the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.
This resolution enforces the Fair Election Act (Republic Act No. 9006) by setting new limits on campaign materials, spending, and environmental practices during the campaign period.
If you are a candidate, voter, or campaign volunteer, it is important to know these rules to ensure a clean, fair, and responsible election season.
Purpose of COMELEC Resolution No. 11086
The resolution’s main purpose is to promote fairness, honesty, and order during the campaign period.
It aims to stop oversized, wasteful, and unfair campaigning while protecting the environment and public spaces.
It also ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities to reach voters without overspending.
Scope and Coverage
COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 applies to:
- All candidates for national, local, and Bangsamoro Parliament positions.
- Political parties and party-list groups.
- Campaign volunteers and supporters.
For a better understanding of election schedules and prohibited activities, you can also review COMELEC Resolution No. 10999: What Voters and Candidates Must Know Now.
Key Rules and Provisions Under COMELEC Resolution No. 11086
Here are the main highlights you need to know:
- Campaign Periods
Different candidates have different campaign periods:
- February 11 to May 10, 2025 – for senatorial and party-list candidates.
- March 28 to May 19, 2025 – for congressional, provincial, city, municipal, and Bangsamoro Parliament candidates.
Candidates must follow these periods strictly. Early campaigning outside these dates is not allowed.
If you need a broader picture of election timelines and prohibited acts, you might find COMELEC Resolution No. 11056: Key Rules for the 2025 Elections helpful too.
- Campaign Material Rules
The resolution introduces stricter guidelines for campaign posters and printed materials:
- Posters must not be larger than 2×3 feet.
- Streamers used during rallies must not exceed 3×8 feet.
- Streamers must be removed within 24 hours after the event.
Additionally:
- Printed materials must now carry a statement encouraging recycling or responsible disposal.
This ensures that campaign materials do not harm the environment or create public nuisance.
- Spending Limits
COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 also updates the allowed campaign expenses:
- Candidates with political parties can spend up to ₱3.00 per registered voter.
- Independent candidates can spend up to ₱5.00 per registered voter.
- Party-list groups are allowed ₱5.00 per registered voter.
Spending beyond these limits is a violation and can lead to disqualification or penalties.
Why These Measures Matter
Unregulated campaign spending and materials can:
- Unfairly favor rich candidates.
- Create public safety hazards.
- Harm the environment with excessive waste.
By setting these clear limits, COMELEC ensures that elections remain fair, safe, and environmentally responsible for all Filipinos.
What Are the Penalties for Violations?
Violations of COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 are treated as election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881) and Republic Act No. 9006 (Fair Election Act). These offenses carry significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from public office.
1. Oversized or Improperly Placed Campaign Materials
- Violation: Displaying posters exceeding the allowed sizes (2×3 feet for posters, 3×8 feet for streamers) or placing them in unauthorized areas.
- Penalty: Under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, offenders may face:
- Imprisonment of one to six years
- Disqualification from holding public office
- Deprivation of the right to vote
These penalties are imposed without the benefit of probation.
2. Failure to Include Environmental Statements
- Violation: Distributing printed campaign materials without the required statement encouraging recycling or proper disposal.
- Penalty: While specific fines are not detailed, such violations are considered election offenses and may result in:
- Fines
- Warnings or reprimands
- Suspension or revocation of campaign privileges
Repeated offenses can lead to more severe sanctions.
3. Exceeding Campaign Spending Limits
- Violation: Spending beyond the prescribed limits:
- ₱3.00 per registered voter for candidates with political parties
- ₱5.00 per registered voter for independent candidates and party-list groups
- Penalty: As per Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, consequences include:
- Imprisonment of one to six years
- Disqualification from holding public office
- Loss of voting rights
These penalties are enforced without the possibility of probation.
4. Premature Campaigning
- Violation: Engaging in campaign activities outside the official campaign periods:
- February 11 to May 10, 2025, for senatorial and party-list candidates
- March 28 to May 10, 2025, for congressional, provincial, city, municipal, and Bangsamoro Parliament candidates
- Penalty: Due to the Supreme Court ruling in Peñera v. COMELEC, individuals are considered official candidates only during the campaign period. Therefore, acts committed before this period are not penalized as premature campaigning.
Note: All penalties are subject to the discretion of the COMELEC and the judiciary, based on the severity and frequency of the violations. Candidates and their supporters are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth in COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 to ensure a fair and lawful election process.
COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 PDF Download
To view the full details, you can download COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 directly from this Scribd link.
It is important to review the full document, especially for campaign managers and candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can candidates start campaigning?
Senatorial and party-list candidates: February 11, 2025.
Local and BARMM candidates: March 28, 2025. - What is the allowed size for campaign posters?
Posters must not exceed 2×3 feet. - How much can candidates spend for their campaign?
₱3.00 or ₱5.00 per registered voter depending on their political status. - Are candidates required to include recycling messages?
Yes, all printed materials must include statements encouraging recycling or responsible disposal.
Conclusion
COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 is a step forward in making sure elections are fair, clean, and environmentally conscious.
By knowing and following these rules, candidates and voters alike help strengthen democracy and respect for the environment.
Stay informed, campaign responsibly, and make your vote—and your voice—count!