Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4880)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 4880 is to amend the Revised Election Code by limiting the period of election campaign and banning too early nomination of candidates, as well as adding specific provisions regulating the time frames for nominations and election campaigns.
Section 50-A prohibits any political party, political committee, or political group from nominating candidates for any elective public office voted for at large earlier than one hundred and fifty days prior to the election, and for any other elective public office earlier than ninety days prior to the election.
It is unlawful to engage in election campaigns or partisan political activity except during the period of one hundred twenty days immediately preceding elections for public office voted at large, and ninety days before elections for any other elective public office.
A 'Candidate' is defined as any person aspiring for or seeking an elective public office, regardless of whether they have filed a certificate of candidacy or have been nominated by a political party.
The activities include: forming organizations or groups to solicit votes, holding political conventions or rallies, making speeches or interviews supporting or opposing candidates, publishing or distributing campaign materials, soliciting votes or campaign contributions either directly or indirectly.
No, simple expressions or opinions and thoughts concerning the election are not considered part of an election campaign, provided that such expressions do not violate the campaign period restrictions.
Violation of the provisions including those related to campaign limits in Sections 50-A and 50-B and numerous other specified sections are classified as serious election offenses.
Announcing nominees too early, i.e., outside the regulated periods set in Section 50-A, is unlawful and considered an election offense, subject to penalties under the Election Code.
No, holding political conventions, rallies, or similar assemblies for the purpose of soliciting votes outside the designated campaign period is unlawful.