Campaigning on Maundy Thursday (April 1) and Good Friday (April 2) is not only inappropriate but unlawful, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared Friday.

Comelec Resolution No. 8758 states that “it is unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or a candidate, or for any political party, or association of persons to engage on election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, eve of Election Day and on Election Day."

"We urge the candidates to turn off their loudspeakers and their campaign jingles during the said dates in deference to the Holy Week," Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said.

Jimenez said what candidates should do is reflect on their spiritual lives during the holiest days of the Lenten season.

"Give yourselves a break and make use of the Holy Week to reflect and ponder on all the promises you dished out during the campaign period and oin how you intend to bring them to fruition should you get elected this May," he said.

The poll official, meantime, reminded local candidates that they only have three days to remove their previously-erected propaganda materials especially since the campaign period for local positions already started Friday.

"Bring down and remove all your illegally-placed posters and streamers; your advertisements in radio, TV, and print within three days or face disqualification," Jimenez said.

Section 29 of Comelec Resolution No. 8758 states that campaign materials such as posters, streamers, and advertisements in radio, print, or television, "made or done in violation of election laws prior to the campaign period shall be immediately removed by the candidate and by the radio station, print media, or television station within three days after the effectivity of the implementing rules and start of the campaign period."