Manila, March 27 -- On March 28, the official 45-day campaign period for local candidates of the 2025 Philippine elections will begin. What does this mean for the candidates vying for 82 provincial governorships and vice governorships, 792 provincial board members positions, 149 mayorships and vice mayorships, 1,682 city councilor posts, 1,493 municipal mayorships and vice mayorships, 11, 948 municipal councilor positions, and 254 seats in the House of Representatives representing the country's congressional districts?

Well, for one thing, all the candidates for the aforesaid local positions will officially become true candidates. As such, they will now be fully liable for election violations. The candidates will no longer be able to hid...