An election aspirant’s platform must carry more weight than mere popularity, according to Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Egay Erice, who has filed a measure seeking to institutionalize issue-based campaigns in the country.
Under House Bill No. 9297, or the “Responsible and Accountable Election Campaign Act,” all candidates for elective positions would be strictly required to submit detailed campaign platforms and participate in mandatory public debates. The veteran lawmaker from northern Metro Manila emphasized that the measure aims to shift the country’s political landscape away from personality politics and focus voter attention on concrete plans, competence, and accountability.
The bill mandates that candidates attach a written campaign platform or political agenda directly to their Certificates of Candidacy (COC).
”Elections should not be reduced to popularity contests or entertainment-driven campaigns. The people deserve to know the plans, qualifications, and policy directions of those seeking public office,” Erice said.
The requirement spans all levels of government, covering candidates for President, Vice President, Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, Governor, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and local legislative positions. The submitted documents must outline the candidates’ proposed programs, legislative or executive agendas, governance priorities, and policy directions concerning key national and local issues—including the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, peace and order, the environment, and governance.
To ensure voters have ample time to scrutinize these agendas, the bill directs the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to publish all submitted platforms on its official website and other public information channels within 15 days from the COC filing deadline.
Furthermore, HB 9297 mandates candidate participation in official campaign debates and public forums organized and supervised by the COMELEC. Erice stressed that these face-offs are crucial tools for voter education.
”Candidates aspiring for public office must be willing to face the people, explain their programs, and answer difficult questions. Public service demands transparency and accountability,” Erice added.
The proposed law introduces strict penalties for non-compliance. Candidates who unjustifiably fail to submit their campaign platforms or refuse to join the mandatory debates will face administrative fines or the potential cancellation of their candidacy, subject to due process.
Erice expressed optimism that the bill will fundamentally elevate local political discourse and empower the electorate.
”This measure is about strengthening democracy by encouraging informed voting and responsible leadership,” he said.