THE CAMPAIGN period started on Feb. 8, 2022 for national elective offices and would commence on March 25 for local elective offices. Of course, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) did not miss a thing in providing guidelines during the campaign period.
Why is there a need to discuss this matter?
The COMELEC joins in the efforts and supports the main objective of the government to stop the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, it adheres to the principle that government services should not be denied to the general public, by institutionalizing preventive health measures, adapting to the new normal to protect its personnel and the public clientele.
Through this effort, campaign rallies will strictly observe minimum public health standards.
Recently, the Quezon City government issued a statement claiming that the campaign rally event organized by the campaign team of Vice President Leni Robredo “resulted in the spillover crowd that violated several restrictions that were mutually agreed upon.”
They also issued a statement after former senator Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio camp held a pre-campaign event in QC, saying that it was “saddened that the motorcade organizer seemed to have a change his mind and refused to coordinate with the local government.”
The COMELEC has released guidelines for the conduct of campaigns for elective posts in the 2022 elections. On Nov. 17, 2021, COMELEC Resolution 10730 was promulgated as well as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Election Act all in relation to the upcoming elections.
These new set of guidelines were released to institutionalize the new normal in the conduct of in-person campaign, rallies; caucuses, meetings, and conventions; motorcades and caravans, and miting de avance.
Rule II of the resolution said the restrictions cover all election campaign activities. It provides that any person below 18 years old, those who are over 65 years of age, and those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and heavily pregnant women are not allowed to join, participate, or take part in any political caucuses.
All persons participating in election campaigns in whatever capacity are mandated to wear full-coverage face shields together with facemasks and observe the minimum public health standards at all times during the period of the political activity.
The resolution also provides for the different committees both in the national and local levels. They are tasked to:
a) classify the category levels in their respective areas of jurisdiction;
b) accept, approve or disapprove applications for the conduct of election campaigns;
c) monitor the conduct of election campaigns;
d) prepare reports as regards the conduct of election campaigns;
e) implement the provisions of the guidelines; and
f) perform other functions as may be determined by the Commission.
There may be different alert levels but the minimum public health standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) should be observed at all time by everyone.
For in-person campaign and rallies, it is prohibited to enter any private dwelling during house-to-house campaign, even with the express permission of the homeowner; crowding, or allowing crowds that violate safe distancing rules; handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among candidate, their companions, and the public; taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public; and distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items.
For motorcade and caravans, the resolution added more restrictions like stopovers, layovers and other similar activities for the conduct of other election campaign activities.
Any violation of the COMELEC Resolution “shall constitute an election offense. Thus, it is important to observe and follow the guidelines in order to avoid the spread of the virus and to take this responsibility seriously./PN
