ILOILO – Two candidates who were supposed to undergo home quarantine reportedly filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) last week.
They were from the towns of Pavia and Balasan, both aspiring for a municipal post, according to election supervisor, Elizabeth Doronila of the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.
The Balasan candidate reportedly arrived in their town from outside Region 6.
“‘Di bala kon nag-abot ka halin sa iban nga lugar you should be quarantined (as part of coronavirus disease 2019 protocols),” said Doronila.
“Nakahalin lang sia sa office namon kag umabot ang RHU (Rural Health Unit) physician kay gin-call ang iya attention,” she said.
In Pavia, the candidate underwent a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test but left their house prior to the release of results.
“Wala pa ako nakahibalo sang result sang swab,” Doronila added.
Doronila already sent a memorandum to the municipal election officers of Pavia and Balasan to monitor the two candidates, and report immediately if they exhibit symptoms.
Doronila said the two candidates should have only filed their COCs through an authorized person or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) so as not to jeopardize the health of their election officers, in case they test positive for COVID-19.
Doronila, however, clarified that what the two candidates did could not be ground for disqualification after it was not included in the Comelec rules.
Doronila said they never failed to remind the candidates of the health protocols.
Should the two show coronavirus symptoms, Doronila said they would take necessary action or may file a case.
“I believe mere violation of health protocols puede ‘na file-an,” she added.
Doronila appealed to barangay officials to closely monitor the situation of their constituents, especially those undergoing quarantine.
Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, director of Comelec-6, echoed Doronila.
“That is very irresponsible if you are supposed on your isolation tapos ikaw pa mismo ang nag-file. It only shows the character of the persons na hindi sia marunong mag-follow ng health protocol,” said Balisado.
He said it is important to take extra precaution, especially now that the voters’ registration has resumed.
Balisado explained if for example, their election officers are exposed to COVID and become asymptomatic then deal with registrants, the problem would be bigger.
Balisado said they will consult with the election officers who transacted with the two candidates whether they are ready to file a case or not./PN