PNP to deploy more cops
to secure high-risk areas
Senatorial bets and party-list groups kick off their 90-day campaign period today (Tuesday) that will end on May 10 – two days before the midterm elections.
Some 18,320 positions are up for grabs in the May 12, 2025 polls, although the number could be reduced by 65 once a measure seeking to postpone the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to October 13, 2025 is passed into law.
On the other hand, the campaign period for local positions, including district representatives at the House, will begin on March 28 and will end as well on May 10.
At least 43,033 individuals have filed their certificates of candidacy for the upcoming elections that will be decided by 69,673,655 registered voters, almost half of which are Millennials (born from 1981 to 1996) and Gen Zs (1997 to 2007).
Some 65 candidates are vying for 12 slots in the Senate – down from 66 after Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee dropped out of the race yesterday.
Lee is the third senatorial aspirant to withdraw from the race, following former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and Francis Leo Marcos.
The candidates include seven re-electionists – Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go and Imee Marcos – and at least six are seeking to make a comeback – Tito Sotto, Manny Pacquiao, Ping Lacson, Gringo Honasan, Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino.
The composition of the Senate would be critical amid the impending impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
At least 155 party-list groups, on the other hand, will slug it out for the 63 seats reserved in the House of Representatives.
For his part, Comelec chairman George Garcia warned all candidates to strictly comply with existing election laws on campaign expenditures to avoid possible disqualification and jail term.
Candidates for senators with no political party can only spend a maximum of P5 per registered voter. If supported by a political party, the limit is P3 per registered voter in the constituency.
Independent candidates are allowed to spend up to P5 per registered voter in their constituency while political parties are okay to spend P5 per registered voter in constituencies where they have official candidates.
“They must also comply with local government legislation governing plastic and other similar materials,” Garcia added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to lead the proclamation rally of the “Alyansa sa Bagong Pilipinas” slate in his bailiwick Ilocos Norte today (Tuesday).
Mr. Marcos previously set a high goal for the administration ticket, pushing for a Senate sweep and total dominance in local races for the 2025 midterm elections.
“Our target for the Senate is 12-0,” the President said at the PFP Leaders’ Summit last month.
From Laoag City, the “Alyansa” candidates will move to Iloilo on February 13, Davao del Norte on February 15, Metro Manila on February 18, Dumaguete on February 20 , and Bacolod on February 21.
The PDP-Laban slate backed by former President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to announce details of its kick-off rally.
Liberal Party bets Pangilinan and Aquino, on the other hand, will kick off their campaign in Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite City with former Vice President Leni Robredo as one of their special guests.
The Philippine National Police said it would deploy additional personnel to areas identified as high-risk.
“Even before the start of the campaign period, security has been deployed to ensure a safe and orderly campaign,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
The Comelec earlier identified 403 areas of concern – divided into four categories: red for those with grave threats, orange for those with serious threats, yellow for those with a history of election-related incidents, and green for those with no security concerns.
Fajardo said more cops will be deployed in areas under red (38), orange (177) and yellow (188) categories.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment said the upcoming national and local elections will generate job opportunities for Filipinos.
Although jobs during the election time would be temporary, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said this will provide respite and an opportunity for small enterprises to thrive and flourish.
“The DOLE will always anticipate that Filipinos will continue to be employed. We are aware that some activities, particularly those pertaining to political activities, can contribute to the creation of additional job prospects,” Laguesma said.