By Nimfa L. Estrellado Rico Blanco, the 'You'll Be Safe Here' hitmaker, featured performer at the Tayabas Ako Night. ( Mayor Lov...
 |
Rico Blanco, the 'You'll Be Safe Here' hitmaker, featured performer at the Tayabas Ako Night. (Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso ) |
LUCENA CITY, QUEZON – The political landscape here has commenced as the 45-day local campaign period for the May 12, 2025, elections officially began yesterday, March 28, 2025. This period marks the start of a highly anticipated electoral race, where candidates will employ diverse strategies to connect with voters.
Candidates across the province have launched their bids through a blend of traditional and modern campaign methods. Motorcades, concerts, rallies , house-to-house campaigns, and online promotions are all being utilized. From the bustling streets of Lucena City to the coastal towns, a wave of political activity has swept through the region.
In Tayabas City, Mayor Maria Lourdes "Lovely" Reynoso-Pontioso launched her Tayabas City campaign with the "Matagumpay na nairaos ang Tayabas Ako Night" featuring performance from Rico Blanco.
Running for mayor in Infanta, Acting Mayor Ruanto launched his campaign with the People’s Campaign Kick-Off Rally at the Northern Quezon Convention Center.
Candelaria Mayor George "Ogie" Suayan began his campaign with a mass at Candelaria Church, following his 'Gising na Bayan Rally' with Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Mayoralty candidate Vicvic Reyes of San Narciso, along with his full slate, conducted a motorcade through the town. Reyes expressed gratitude to his supporters, despite reported intimidation.
Josilito Ojeda, seeking to go back as mayor in Mulanay with Gina Acar, launched his online campaign, emphasizing his platform and promising good governance for his return.
In a live Facebook address, Governor Angelina Tan, whose current term 2022-2025 is drawing to a close, stated, 'Wala po akong malakihang rally, instead baba po tayo sa mga barangay para makapagulat kung ano ang aking nagawa sa loob ng tatlong taon at ano pa ang aasahan ng kalalawigan sa susunod na taon.'
She further emphasized her dedication to serve, 'May laban man o wala, mangangampanya tayo. Panahon man ng eleksyon o hindi, gawain natin bumabad sa komunidad. Hatid ang serbisyo at plataporma, abangan nyo po ako sa inyong mga barangay at bayan!'
Commission on Elections Comelec (Comelec) directives are being closely followed, with local election officers actively enforcing regulations on campaign materials and monitoring prohibited activities. Social media regulation is also being rigorously implemented.
Quezon Province's diverse geography presents unique challenges and opportunities for candidates. Campaign strategies are therefore tailored to the specific needs and demographics of each area.
As the campaign progresses, residents here are keenly observing the unfolding political drama, anticipating a dynamic and closely contested election. The interplay of traditional and modern digital strategies is expected to significantly influence the outcome.
Comelec has issued reminders and directives to ensure fair and orderly elections. These guidelines emphasize transparency, environmental responsibility, and the prevention of vote buying.
To promote transparency, candidates were urged to register their online campaign platforms OCPs by March 31, a new initiative. Comelec also launched 'Oplan Baklas,' addressing illegal campaign material placement and emphasizing environmental concerns.
'Kontra-Bigay' initiative has also been launched to aggressively prevent vote buying, which distorts the electoral process and erodes public trust, and candidates were reminded of their legal obligation to adhere to the Fair Election Act, a crucial piece of legislation that governs campaign finance, advertising, and other election-related activities.
Malacañang and the Philippine National Police stressed complying with election laws and political neutrality, in addition to Comelec directives. Comelec clarified voter information sheets VIS will be distributed only by Comelec personnel to ensure secure delivery.
No comments