Comelec Urges Election Candidates to Respect Black Nazarene Feast

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a reminder to candidates participating in the upcoming May 2025 national and local elections to avoid campaigning during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which takes place in January. Comelec Chair George Garcia emphasized the importance of respecting the solemnity of this religious event, noting that it is not yet the official campaign period. He encouraged candidates to allow devotees to focus on their prayers and devotion on January 9, the day of the Traslacion procession, which attracts millions of followers of the Black Nazarene. Garcia stressed that such a sacred event as the Traslacion in Quiapo should not be politicized, even if the campaign has not officially started and candidates have not yet been officially declared. He hopes that this time will be dedicated by the faithful to reflection and deepening their devotion. The campaign period for national positions is set to start on February 11, 90 days before the May 12 elections, and will conclude on May 10. Local candidates will have a 45-day campaign window from March 28 to May 10.