Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that barangay officials will be permitted to engage in campaigning activities for the upcoming midterm elections next year. However, they must adhere to specific regulations as they remain accountable to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for any misconduct.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated on Thursday that while a 2010 Supreme Court ruling permits village officials to participate in political campaigning, they are still required to comply with campaign regulations. Garcia explained, “In the case of Quintos vs. Comelec, the SC said they are political. They can be used by some politicians. But let us remember, they can still be subject to disciplinary action. It may not be an election offense but there are other laws that govern them,” referring to Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

The Supreme Court’s decision highlighted that “political par
tisanship is the inevitable essence of a political office, elective positions included.” This ruling exempts elected officials from the prohibition on partisan political campaigning that applies to officers and employees within the civil service.

The upcoming campaign period for candidates seeking national positions, including senators and party-list groups, is scheduled to commence on February 11, 2025, and conclude on May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, local candidates vying for positions such as congressmen, and roles at the parliamentary, provincial, city, and municipal levels, are permitted to begin their campaigns from March 28, 2025, until May 10, 2025.