DOH urges candidates to be ‘role models’ by following health protocols

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire speaks during the Department of Health’s online media forum on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (Screengrab from DOH Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) appealed on Saturday to all candidates in the May elections to serve as “role models” during the campaign by showing that they adhere to health protocols.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said political events this week, which drew large crowds, have been a cause of concern and reminded the public that COVID-19 and its variants are still very much around in the country.

“Mass gatherings are still not allowed up to now, but we have seen that these campaign sorties have resulted in a lot of these gatherings,” Vergeire said at the Laging Handa briefing.

She called on all candidates to be the first to follow health protocols.

“To our campaigners, the candidates, we hope you will serve as models and show people that everybody should follow safety protocols,” she said.

She also reminded local governments to help the national government in the enforcement of the health standards to prevent coronavirus transmission.

People attending political events should also be careful because there is a chance they could get sick, she said.

The Commission on Elections earlier handed down rules for campaigning amid the pandemic, which include barring handshakes, selfies, and house visits.

But some political parties have asked for leniency and asked the poll body to allow selfies.

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