FILE PHOTO: Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) are finalizing the health protocols to be imposed this coming election season, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.
“We have already touched base with Comelec and we have already looked into the health protocols that they need to implement or impose once the election season starts officially,” Duque told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay.
“Meron nang specifics ‘yan but we will just report it to the public once the Comelec officially issues it out,” he added.
“We’re helping at the technical level, we’re reviewing the health protocols. That’s within the purview of the department,” he added.
According to Duque, the DOH will also be willing to assist the Comelec in ensuring that precautionary measures are observed in the election season.
“We will be there to help, certainly,” he said. “As I’ve said, it’s a whole-of-government approach.”
As early as July, the Comelec said “public displays of affection,’’ kissing babies, and even handing out food will no longer be allowed during the campaign for the 2022 national and local elections as part of the new normal.