Primer: What to know about the 2025 Philippine elections
The 2025 Philippine general elections will see more than 18,000 positions up for grabs, from senators to local officials. This primer covers key election dates, rules, and campaign guidelines, including new AI regulations.
Q: When is Election Day?
A: The elections will be held on May 12, 2025.
Q: How many positions are up for election?
A: A total of 18,271 national and local positions will be up for election.
Q: When are political conventions?
A: Political conventions to select and nominate official candidates will be held from September 1 to 28, 2024. Major political alliances such as PFP, Lakas-CMD, NUP, NPC, and NP are expected to announce their senatorial slates by September 15, 2024.
Q: How many senators will be elected?
A: The Senate has 24 members, and 12 seats will be up for election. Senators serve a 6-year term and can be re-elected for up to two consecutive terms.
Q: What does the Senate do?
A: The Senate has the authority to concur on bills before they are signed into law by the president, approve international treaties, and serve as a court in impeachment cases.
Q: How is the House structured?
A: The House of Representatives consists of 317 members, with 254 district representatives and 63 party-list representatives. Its responsibilities include approving bills before they are signed into law, initiating impeachment proceedings, and approving franchises.
Q: What local positions are up for election?
A: Key local positions include 82 governors, 82 vice governors, and 792 provincial board members, along with 149 mayors, 149 vice mayors, and 1,682 councilors in cities.
Q: How does the party system work?
A: The Philippines operates under a multiparty system, allowing multiple political parties to compete in elections.
Q: What are the voter registration deadlines?
A: September 30, 2024, is the deadline for local and overseas voter registration, and for updating voter details. Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) must be filed between October 1 and 8, 2024. The tentative list of candidates will be posted on October 29, 2024, and November 8, 2024, is the last day to request ballot corrections.
Q: What’s Comelec’s AI campaign policy?
A: Comelec will allow the use of AI in digital campaigns but with strict guidelines to prevent misinformation and disinformation. Political candidates, parties, and organizations must disclose their use of AI, verify the legitimacy of AI-generated content, and clearly state if content has been manipulated using AI technology. Deepfakes are discouraged, and Comelec is considering additional restrictions on their use.
Q: What are the rules for digital campaigns?
A: All social media platforms used by candidates, parties, and their teams must be registered with the Education and Information Department (EID) within 30 days after filing certificates of candidacy, with a deadline of December 13, 2024. This includes websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and other online platforms. Registered social media accounts must also disclose AI usage, and failure to do so will require explanation to avoid violation complaints.
Q: What’s prohibited during the election period?
A: Key restrictions include unauthorized carrying of firearms or deadly weapons, unauthorized use of security personnel or bodyguards, altering precinct boundaries, and suspending elected officials without Comelec approval.
Q: Key dates before Election Day?
A: Voting by local absentee voters will take place from April 28-30, 2025. On May 11, 2025, the eve of Election Day, there will be a liquor ban and no campaigning allowed. Election Day, May 12, 2025, will include live coverage and real-time vote updates as ballots are cast, counted, and consolidated.
Q: What happens after Election Day?
A: The canvassing of precinct results and proclamation of winning city and municipal officials will occur between May 12-15, 2025. The proclamation of winners for senatorial, congressional, party-list, and provincial elections will take place between May 13-19, 2025.
Q: When is the SOCE deadline?
A: The deadline for candidates to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) is June 11, 2025. This document is crucial for transparency and ensures proper auditing of campaign contributions.
With reports from Dianne Raine U. Sampang, Luisa K. Cabato, and Adrian Parungao
