MANILA – Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to formulate strict guidelines for the 2022 national elections to prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) especially during the campaign period.
“So nakita natin ‘yung experience ng United States nung nagkaroon sila ng election. At the same time, ngayon, ongoing ‘yung campaigning ng India, nakita natin nag-doble ang kanilang mutations. I think we have to prepare for that,” Galvez said recently.
Currently, India is experiencing a surge in the daily cases of COVID-19 with infections reaching up to 300,000 and some of the hospitals in its major cities are close to collapse.
“Kailangan doble higpit tayo since coming na rin iyong election natin this coming 2022,” he added.
However, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez assured Galvez that the poll body is making preparations for the upcoming elections since postponing is not an option.
“Kung gusto mo i-reset ‘yung elections, kailangan i-amend mo ‘yung Constitution. And para ma-amend ‘yung Constitution kailangan mo ng plebesito to ratify the amendment,” Jimenez told GMA News.
“So mag e-eleksyon ka para ma postpone ‘yung eleksyon,” he added.
Jimenez stressed that Comelec will do its best to make sure the national polls will not be a COVID super spreader.
If ever face-to-face campaign is allowed, Jimenez said the number of attendees will be limited and bringing of food is prohibited./PN
