Photo courtesy of Zambales for the People Facebook page
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales––The provincial government would regulate campaign rallies and public meetings that candidates in the 2022 elections would hold within the province, Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr said.
In an executive order issued Wednesday, Oct. 27, Ebdane said all partisan political activities in the province should be coordinated with and approved by his office to ensure that these would comply with strict health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“These traditional practices in the ‘new normal’ will have to be regulated due to the profound impact of COVID-19 that may exacerbate the rising number of positive cases in our province,” Ebdane said.
He referred to these activities as caravans, motorcades, and political parades expected to be staged in multiple municipalities.
The governor said plans to hold these events must be coordinated with his office through a written communication two weeks ahead of the schedule.
He said the concerned local government unit should approve similar activities to be held in a certain town.
Also part of the new guidelines is the mandatory reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test for non-residents who will attend these political activities if staying more than 24 hours or rapid antigen test for those staying less than 24 hours.