EDITORIAL: Campaign Decency

AS the 2025 midterm elections approach, the familiar sight of premature campaigning has once again taken center stage.

Despite strong public clamor against such practices, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) remains powerless to curb the deluge of billboards, social media posts, and advertisements flaunting the faces and names of political aspirants.

The reason: The absence of a law prohibiting premature campaigning, reinforced by the 2009 Supreme Court ruling in Peñera v. Comelec, which states that individuals only become official candidates at the start of the campaign period.

Comelec Chair George Garcia’s plea for delicadeza (a sense of decency) among political aspirants underscores the frustration of both the public and the poll body.

His call for restraint—“Take your campaigning slow and easy”—is a reminder that the intelligence of the Filipino electorate should not be underestimated.

Unfortunately, the current legal framework provides a loophole that allows aspirants to exploit every avenue to increase their visibility long before the official campaign period begins.

The issue lies not only in the lack of legislation but also in the erosion of ethical standards among some political aspirants. While it is true that premature campaigning is not illegal, it raises questions about the values of those who engage in it.

If aspirants disregard the spirit of fair play before the campaign officially begins, what assurances do voters have that they will uphold integrity once in office?

Moreover, the excessive spending on premature campaigning signals a deeper concern: the inappropriate use of money in elections. Lavish spending on billboards, TV ads, and online promotions not only creates an uneven playing field but can also be construed as a veiled form of vote buying.

By using substantial resources to secure name recall, aspirants effectively wield financial clout to sway public perception, overshadowing genuine platforms and qualifications. This practice undermines the democratic principle of fair and equal competition, reducing elections to a contest of wealth rather than merit.

However, the relentless plastering of faces and names months in advance undermines this intent and perpetuates a culture where influence is equated with visibility.

While Comelec’s hands are tied, voters hold the ultimate power to reject candidates who rely heavily on premature campaigning. It is imperative for the electorate to look beyond the billboards and social media posts and critically evaluate the track record, platforms, and character of those vying for public office.

Equally important is the role of lawmakers in addressing this perennial issue. The absence of a law prohibiting premature campaigning leaves a gaping hole in the electoral process. Congress must act swiftly to craft legislation that clearly defines and penalizes premature campaigning, ensuring a fairer and more transparent electoral system.

As the printing of 73 million ballots begins, Chair Garcia’s call for restraint and responsibility among candidates should resonate not only with political aspirants but with all Filipinos.

The upcoming elections are an opportunity to reset the tone of our political discourse and reaffirm the values of integrity and respect for the democratic process.

The challenge now is twofold: for candidates to exercise delicadeza and for voters to wield their power wisely.

Only through a collective effort can we hope to elevate the standards of our electoral system and elect leaders who genuinely prioritize the welfare of the nation over self-serving visibility.