The 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections are drawing closer, with early political visibility becoming more noticeable in some communities.
In Barangay Dela Paz, Biñan City, Laguna, aspiring SK chairperson Rica Mae Cerujano went viral after boats used during flooding carried large tarpaulins bearing her name and photo. Cerujano has publicly identified herself as an “aspirant SK chairwoman” in an August 10 Facebook post, weeks before the filing of Certificates of Candidacy for the 2026 BSKE.
The controversy grew because the personal branding appeared on boats deployed during a flood crisis. Critics accused Cerujano of using the emergency response to increase her public exposure ahead of the elections, while several social media users described the move as “trapo” or “epal” because of the prominent placement of her image on boats assisting affected residents.
Cerujano later responded through a Facebook Story, criticizing anonymous accounts and people she said joined the issue without checking the facts. She said she respects criticism as long as it “may sense at may paninindigan.” Her reported response did not address the decision to place her name and photo on the boats.
Efforts to build visibility before an election are commonly described as “soft campaigning.” Aspiring candidates often take part in community activities, public-service projects and local events before the official campaign period. The term is informal and does not by itself mean that election rules have been violated.
For the 2026 BSKE, Certificates of Candidacy will be filed from September 28 to October 5. The official campaign period will run from October 22 to 31, followed by Election Day on November 2.
