The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified that celebrities and social media influencers can freely endorse family members or relatives running in the May 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the regulation presuming endorsements as paid does not apply when endorsing a relative up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
This includes parents, siblings, grandparents, children, and in-laws. However, candidates must still report any paid endorsements in their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) to avoid election offenses.
Garcia also announced that Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City will be used for the official ballot verification, addressing space concerns at the National Printing Office.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 6, 2025
