MANILA, Philippines — Strict campaign guidelines of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resulted in several violations, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Tuesday.
“Obviously po, marami tayong nakikitang violation, precisely because napaka-strikto ng mga rules and regulations na inilabas ng Comelec,” he said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
(Obviously, we saw many violations, precisely because the rules and regulations issued by Comelec are strict.)
“Mayroon na pong mga proposals and appeals ang iba’t ibang mga partido at mga politiko sa ating Commission on Elections para maluwagan ng kaunti ang kanilang mga regulasyon,” he added.
(There are already proposals and appeals from different parties and politicians before the Commission on Elections to ease the regulation.)
According to Malaya, a meeting may be convened to address the issue.
“I would presume that the Comelec will call a meeting of the commission and the National Campaign Committee para mapag-usapan ito (to discuss this),” he said.
National candidates officially started their campaign for the May 9 elections on February 8.
The Philippine National Police earlier said that there were instances when health protocols, such as physical distancing, were violated during campaign kick-off.
READ: Campaign period kickoff ‘generally peaceful’ — PNP
Other activities that are prohibited during the campaign period are handshakes, hugs, kisses, and taking selfies to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
READ: COVID redraws rules of campaign for 2022 elections