The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disallowed the use of “membership cards” as campaign materials for the May 12 polls, citing concerns over potential abuse and unauthorized use.
In Minute Resolution No. 25-0438, the Comelec En Banc declared that candidates and political parties are no longer permitted to distribute or utilize membership cards during campaign sorties and political rallies.
The prohibition comes as a reversal of a previous decision issued in February under Minute Resolution No. 25-0179, which initially allowed membership cards as part of “other forms of election propaganda.”
“This is in consideration of the potential abuse of use and unauthorized use of membership cards in campaigning and other election-related activities,” the Commission stated.
The February resolution had categorized membership cards alongside other permissible campaign giveaways, such as arm sleeves, eco bags, tote bags, flyers, stickers, fans, caps and visors, face towels, notebooks, pens, water bottles, button pins, umbrellas, poster magnets, aprons, and even household items like dinnerware sets, mugs, buckets, and thermoses.
To ensure compliance, the Comelec requires candidates and political parties to submit samples of such materials to obtain prior approval before public distribution.
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