MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday warned candidates of the special elections in Dasmariñas, Cavite not to engage in any campaign activities before the start of campaign period as it can be grounds for disqualification.
According to Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia, premature campaigning is in effect for the special elections to be held on August 29, 2026. The special elections came after former lawmaker Kiko Barzaga was expelled by the House of Representatives last June 2 due to his “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior.
READ: Comelec sets special polls in Barzaga’s district in Cavite Aug. 29
Garcia noted that the Peñera vs. Comelec doctrine is only applicable during automated elections, and not on manual elections like the Dasmariñas special polls. The doctrine states that an aspirant can only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period.
“Upon filing of candidacy, as long as it is not yet the start of the campaign period, campaigning is prohibited. If ever, this can be grounds for disqualification and election offense,” Garcia, speaking Filipino, said in a press conference.
- The campaign period for the special elections will run from July 30, 2026 to August 27, 2026. During this period, Comelec said that the following acts are prohibited:
- Removing, destroying, obliterating, defacing, tampering, or preventing distribution of lawful election propaganda
- Posting, displaying, distributing and using illegal campaign materials
- Making any donation or gift in cash or in kind
- Appointing or using special policemen, special confidential agents or the like
- Using armored land, water or air craft
- Policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards of public officials or candidates
Garcia also said that the poll body has not yet received any petitions for disqualification or election offense cases in line with observance of premature campaigning.
“During the start of the campaign period, not the election period, we will implement the prohibition on social services, public works, and therefore, anyone cannot just implement projects and services in relation to public works without acquiring exemption from Comelec,” Garcia added.
For the special elections, the poll body does not allow the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services, as well as housing-related projects from July 30, 2026 to August 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, distribution of ayuda, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations is not allowed from August 19, 2026 to August 28, 2026. The exemption to prohibition includes medical and burial assistance.
READ: Dasmariñas LGU donates P50M to Comelec for special elections
Aside from this, a gun ban will be implemented in Dasmariñas, Cavite during the election period from July 30, 2026 to September 13, 2026.
Garcia added that an incumbent official, who is also an elective candidate, implementing projects does not equate to premature campaigning. One of the candidates is Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga, the mother of Kiko.
“You can’t just stop them as an elective official of a city. So we have to distinguish if it is campaigning or merely implementing projects,” he noted.
Garcia then clarified that the incumbent mayor is not deemed resigned from her post upon her filing of candidacy for the congressional seat. He said that this principle applies to all elective officials who are also seeking another or same post.
The chairperson also shared that the winning candidate for the elections may be proclaimed as early as 5 a.m. of August 30, 2026. He noted that early voting hours for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities will be implemented from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Regular voting hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. After this, Garcia said that the canvassing of votes may begin around 6 p.m. on election day. /jpv
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