Election graphics by INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reminded the public that the rules and guidelines it has set for the 2022 campaign period are meant to ensure the public’s health and safety.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez issued the reminder as he revealed that there have been complaints about the campaign restrictions which prohibits handshakes, kisses, hugs and selfies.
“We would like to remind everyone that this is for everyone’s safety. This is not for the benefit of politicians, certainly this is not for the Comelec’s health,” he said in an interview on ABS CBN News Channel.
“This is for everyone’s good and again these are common sense applications of a social distancing regime that we’re under right now,” Jimenez added.
Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
He, however, acknowledged that the complaints are made in light of how some politicians are currently allowed to go around and distribute money.
“Unfortunately this is the law that we have, this is the legal environment that we are in. There’s a huge loophole in the law so we’re just gonna have to power through it,” he said.
Jimenez said that early reactions to the guidelines “are coming in trickles,” from politicians and even the public and the polling body will respond to the same in due time.
He said these guidelines are still to be implemented at the start of the campaign period in February next year.
Comelec released last Thursday a set of guidelines for the conduct of campaign rallies, caucuses, meetings, conventions, and miting de avance, as well as motorcades and caravans for the 2022 elections.
Under the Comelec resolution’s general provisions, the candidates and their campaign support staff are now considered as Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) “regardless of alert level system and vaccination status.”
Those who are below 18 and above 65 years old and those with underlying conditions including pregnant women will not be allowed to join in campaign activities.