Behind the Tarps – Shadow Campaigns of Metro Manila

With the hum of campaign jingles and the sight of electoral tarpaulins flooding the streets, it’s clear that the 2025 elections are just around the corner. Yet, despite the official campaign period still being days away, candidates across Metro Manila are still making their presence felt. From large-scale public events to visible branding in the form of posters and giveaways, the lines between public service and political maneuvering have become increasingly blurred. As these early campaigns gain momentum, the question arises: Are they following the rules, or is there more at stake behind the scenes?

What are the indications of premature campaigning in Metro Manila?

In recent months, various personalities in Metro Manila have increasingly become visible through tarpaulins, public service events, and heavily curated social media content. These materials—often bearing slogans such as “Tapat at Totoo” or “Make Manila Great Again”—mirror official campaign paraphernalia, though no formal declarations of candidacy have yet been made.

These activities, while not illegal on the surface, closely resemble campaign strategies designed to build voter familiarity well in advance of the designated campaign period. Observers note that such practices are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern where public service initiatives are used as platforms for political promotion.

What is a COMELEC Show Cause Order and Why is it Significant?

A Show Cause Order issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is a formal directive compelling an individual or party to explain or justify actions that may potentially violate election laws. It is not a ruling of guilt but rather a preliminary step in ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

This order becomes particularly significant when there is credible evidence suggesting violations such as premature campaigning, misuse of public funds, or improper use of government resources for political gain. If the recipient fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, it can lead to legal consequences, including disqualification from running for office or other administrative sanctions. The Kontra Bigay committee, established by the COMELEC, is specifically tasked with investigating and taking action on allegations of vote-buying and electoral fraud, ensuring that the integrity of the election process is upheld.

Who are the Personalities Recently Flagged by COMELEC?

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through its Kontra Bigay committee, has recently issued Show Cause Orders to three prominent individuals vying for the mayoral seat in Manila. These personalities have drawn attention for activities that suggest premature campaigning, including the distribution of branded goods, the organization of high-visibility community events, and the production of media content that appears promotional in nature.

The orders were issued on April 24 and 25, underscoring COMELEC’s intensified monitoring efforts ahead of the 2025 elections. As the electoral race heats up, these actions serve as early warnings to ensure that all aspirants adhere strictly to established campaign rules.

Why is premature campaigning prevalent in Metro Manila?

Metro Manila remains one of the most vote-rich regions in the country. With its dense population and political visibility, the capital region is a strategic battleground for aspiring candidates. Early exposure often equates to name recall, and in a competitive political climate, familiarity can heavily influence voting behavior.

Many public figures exploit legal gray areas to gain early traction, blurring the lines between genuine service and political maneuvering.

What laws are being potentially violated by early campaign efforts?

According to the Omnibus Election Code, the official campaign period is the only time candidates may lawfully solicit votes. Outside of this period, campaigning in any form is prohibited, including:

• Distributing promotional materials

• Using government funds for events linked to political gain

• Engaging in vote buying or indirect inducements

• Displaying posters, banners, or ads in unauthorized public spaces

Furthermore, public officials must refrain from leveraging their office to promote themselves or their potential candidacy, in accordance with laws against the misuse of public resources.

Why do some candidates continue to engage in early campaigning despite regulations?

One reason is the 2009 Supreme Court ruling in Penera v. COMELEC, which clarified that premature campaigning only applies after the official filing of a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and the commencement of the official campaign period. This has created a legal loophole that many politicians exploit to conduct extensive promotional activities before being technically labeled as candidates.

Early campaigning allows candidates to:

• Establish early visibility and name recall

• Control public narratives ahead of opponents

• Portray themselves as proactive public servants

Though not illegal under current jurisprudence, such actions may still be considered unethical or manipulative by the electorate and COMELEC.

What are the implications of unchecked early campaigning?

The effects are far-reaching. Premature campaigning:

• Skews electoral fairness, as wealthier candidates gain more visibility

• Disadvantages grassroots challengers who adhere strictly to regulations

• Erodes public trust in the electoral process

• Promotes form over substance, favoring spectacle over policy discussion

Ultimately, it compromises the principle of free and fair elections, wherein all candidates are expected to compete on equal footing.

What can voters expect after the issuance of a Show Cause Order?

Once issued, the individual or party must:

1. Submit a formal written explanation within the timeframe prescribed by COMELEC.

2. Provide supporting documents or clarifications to justify the alleged activity.

3. Undergo further scrutiny, after which COMELEC may either dismiss the case or escalate it to administrative or criminal proceedings.

If found guilty, sanctions may include fines, disqualification from public office, or even criminal liability, depending on the severity of the offense.

Why Should the Public Remain Vigilant?

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and it is the responsibility of every voter to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. While certain activities may seem benign or driven by good intentions, they could very well be calculated attempts to sway public opinion before the official campaign period.

When political ambitions are masked as public service, it becomes increasingly difficult for voters to discern between genuine governance and strategic electoral maneuvering. This blurring of lines undermines the democratic process and creates an uneven playing field.

It is not only the duty of the Commission on Elections to ensure fairness but also the responsibility of every citizen to demand transparency, accountability, and honesty from those who seek to lead. As the election approaches, vigilance is more than a choice—it is a necessity to protect the future of our democracy.