The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to review the poll campaign rules to coincide with the government’s alert level classifications being implemented in the country.
Comelec acting chairperson Socorro Inting made the remark in response to complaints of some candidates, particularly on the prohibition in taking selfies and giving handshakes.
“Yes, we are aware of these complaints of some candidates. Maybe we will review our rules. Now there is a possibility that we will be downgraded to alert level 1, so maybe we will review our rules soon for the campaign to be consistent with the alert level,” Inting said in a press briefing after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the poll body and Vote Pilipinas in Manila on Wednesday.
Comelec Resolution 10732, issued in November last year, sets rules and regulations on the poll campaign under the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The resolution added that in-person campaigning is allowed in areas under Alert 1, 2, and 3 but candidates or their campaign leaders must be accompanied only by a maximum of five staff members under Alert Level 2 and three staff members under Alert Level 3.
No limit on the number of accompanying staff members for candidates is implemented under Alert Level 1.
In-person campaigning is not allowed in areas under Alert Levels 4 and 5.
The resolution also prohibits handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public under all alert levels.
It has also prohibited taking selfies, photographs, and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public. The distribution of food and drink and anything of value is also prohibited.
Meanwhile, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said there is a process in dealing with campaign violations.
“But when it comes to enforcing it and of course the violations we have a due process there and that will be handled,” he added.
Except for Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Davao De Oro, Davao Occidental, and South Cotabato which have been placed under Alert Level 3, Metro Manila and the rest of the country are under Alert Level 2 until the end of February.
Meanwhile, Inting said the partnership between the Comelec and Vote Pilipinas aims to entice more people to vote in the May polls.
“On the behalf of the Comelec, I would like to extend my special gratitude to vote Pilipinas for being the official voter information campaign partner of the Commission on Elections. The new numerous support and initiative extended by your organization to the Comelec in various preparatory stages of the election are truly commendable,” she said.
“Let me impart this message to all our registered voters: There is no point in registering if we do not vote. Let’s vote on the ninth of May,” she added. (PNA)
