Holy Week 'ceasefire' on
From the government's Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to the Church's Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), candidates are enjoined to a "ceasefire" as Christians slow down and mark the Holy Week.
As such, clear reminders are out on all bets that a prohibition is set for all and any sort of campaigning particularly Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The CBCP in a message called on the candidates and those involved in the campaign to "take advantage of this religious celebration and prove their sincerity in helping the poor and other concrete expressions of love."
The Holy Week celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Church calling on all the faithful to reflect, repent and be charitable.
"All Christians whether politicians or not, should observe Holy Week. They are enjoined to participate in activities and spiritual acts of Churches and Parishes," the CBCP in its statement continued.
And donate not for 'pogi-points', the politicians are further reminded with the Church calling for delicadeza against image-building.
Meantime, it may "ceasefire" for candidates and officially the same for government troopers out on the field on an armed battle against insurgents yet for the Philippine Army here, it will still be high-alert status.
Capt. Lowen Gil Marquez in a press conference Monday said ceasefire or not, the soldiers will always be ready particularly in its fight against the communist rebels.
"They do not believe in God," quipped Marquez referring to the New People's Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.