MANILA, Philippines - The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) began in January the first coalition-organized sorties for its senatorial slate, a month before the start of the official campaign period for the May 13 elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the campaign period for senatorial candidates from February 12 to May 11.

Despite the early sorties, the group claims they cannot be accused of premature campaigning because there is no such thing under the law.

Rappler's John Javellana captures scenes from the very first sorties in this year's senatorial race. - Rappler.com