MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday advised candidates of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections and the special elections for Dasmariñas, Cavite’s congressional seat to abide by its rules and regulations as the campaign period kicks off on Thursday.
The campaign period for the parliamentary elections will run from July 30, 2026 until September 12 and the Dasmariñas special elections from July 30, 2026 to August 27, 2026.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that election campaign rules apply to the candidates of both elections.
READ: Comelec warns Dasmariñas special poll bets vs premature campaigning
“For both elections in Bangsamoro and Dasmariñas, avoid using public funds and state resources as they are considered as abuse of state resources. We will strictly monitor that,” Garcia said in Filipino.
Garcia said that vote-buying and vote-selling are prohibited as these are not allowed under the Omnibus Election Code, as well as campaigning at night and using non-biodegradable campaign materials.
Garcia also said that the poll body’s Committee on Kontra Bigay will strictly monitor activities that may be considered as vote-buying, vote-selling, and abuse of state resources.
“To those who want to report such activities, report them through the website of the Commission on Elections. We will not hesitate to disqualify candidates and at the same time, file appropriate criminal charges against them”, said Garcia.
He then shared that the poll body has not monitored any complaints so far against candidates of both elections.
READ: Marcos: No stopping Bagsamoro polls
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said that the Bangsamoro elections will push through on September 14, 2026.
Garcia noted that the poll body will ensure the safety and security of the region during the conduct of elections.
As of July 15, 2026, the Comelec so far identified 27 areas in Bangsamoro under the red category, or those with serious threats and a history of election-related violence.
The Philippine National Police earlier said that a total of 8,299 personnel were deployed for the elections.
Garcia also shared that the poll body is already “95% ready” for the conduct of the first parliamentary elections, which were rescheduled for four times.
He said that the printed ballots are currently being packed for their deployment to the region in the first week of August.
He added that the poll body is set to train teachers who will serve as electoral board members and several PNP personnel who will be special electoral board members as part of its contingency plans. /gsg
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