Comelec says health protocol violations are election offenses

Social distancing signs and lanes at the MRT3 North Avenue station in Quezon City. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Violations of COVID-19 health protocols during campaign activities are considered election offenses, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Comelec has included the health protocols prescribed by the Cabinet policymaking body on COVID-19 response in its campaign rules for the May 9, 2022, elections.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10730, it is unlawful for any candidate, political party or person to give or accept free “transportation, food and drinks or anything of value” during campaign meetings.

“It shall likewise be unlawful for any candidate, party or any person to act in a manner that violates the minimum health and safety protocols and other applicable guidelines prescribed by the Comelec and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,” the poll body said.

Candidates and political parties are required to submit a notarized “affidavit of compliance with health protocols” to the nearest Comelec office within 24 hours after any “in-person campaign activity.”

The Comelec said failure to submit the required affidavit “shall constitute noncooperation” punishable under Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.