Thousands of devotees surge forward towards the image of the Black Nazarene as the procession makes it way thru Villalobos near the Quiapo Church in Manila on January 9, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned against individuals who may "politicize" the Traslacion ng Jesus Nazareno next month. 

The annual event draws millions of Catholic devotees packing the streets of Manila during the procession. 

Over the weekend, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the religious event should not be politicized even if campaign season has yet to begin and aspirants are not yet considered candidates.

Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. reiterated the statement on Monday in an interview with reporters.

"Pinapaalala lang po ng aming en banc lalo na ng aming Chairman na sa darating na January 9, Traslacion ng Nazareno, sana ho yung ating mga candidates who are not yet candidates, maalala na huwag nating gamitin yung mga ganitong religious event and occasions sa pamumulitika," he said.

READ: Fewer devotees expected for Traslacion 2025

READ: Manila police, LGU: Obstructions to be cleared before Traslacion

Maceda said aspirants may provide assistance during the event, but should not use the feast as an avenue to campaign.

"Kung gusto niyo hong tumulong, siyempre lahat tayo pwede tumulong, lahat tayo pwede makiisa. Nasa sa inyo na ho yun kung gusto niyo ilabas later on yung inyong pag tulong. Pero huwag niyo gagawing pagkakataon na dumami ang basura, dumami yung mga T-shirt na may mukha ninyo imbis na yung mukha ng Nazareno. It's not a political occasion, it's a religious occasion," he added.

The poll body official said individuals, who are devotees, may still observe their tradition to help carry or transport the image of the Jesus Nazareno during the procession.

"Hindi naman ho pinagbabawal yun. Huwag lang silang makagulo o mag-interfere with the exercise of the public of their religious devotions," Maceda said.

Comelec Chairman Garcia stressed that the feast should be left as a time for reflection and strengthening of one's devotion to Jesus Nazareno.

"Isang araw lang naman ito kung ihahambing sa siyamnapu o apatnaput limang araw na pangangampanya. Madaling palipasin at patawarin ang maglalaspastangan sa  n araw na ito subalit mahirap makalimutan pagdating ng halalan," he said in a message to reporters.

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno released the schedule of activities for Traslacion 2025.

Part of the annual celebration is the procession of the 400-year-old image of Jesus Nazareno from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno on January 9.

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