Philippine News Agency
Comelec says candidates can join events sans prizes, food
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded candidates running in the 2025 National and Local Elections to avoid giving money or valuable items as rewards in pageants and other events during the campaign period.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia clarified that while candidates can participate as judges or award crowns and sashes, offering cash prizes is prohibited and considered vote buying.
Similarly, providing food to attendees at such events is also categorized as vote buying and should be avoided.
Garcia emphasized that giving plaques as awards would not be problematic, but cash rewards are strictly forbidden.
The Comelec is implementing measures to combat vote buying throughout the election period.
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