‘Campaign activities may trigger COVID-19 rise’

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III yesterday warned campaign activities could become superspreader events for COVID-19, as he urged candidates in the May elections to take the lead in observing health and safety protocols.

“It is really possible for cases to increase if we are complacent, if restrictions will not be enforced and observed,” Duque said in a radio interview.

The health secretary has underscored that all government agencies and concerned sectors should make sure all protocols are strictly complied with “so we won’t have superspreader events this elections.”

Duque likewise called on all candidates to make sure that health and safety protocols – particularly physical distancing, wearing of mask and hand
 washing or sanitizing – are strictly observed and implemented in their rallies and other campaign activities.

Denied permits

The Comelec has denied the permit applications of presidential candidates Vice President Leni Robredo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and labor leader Leody de Guzman for election activities yesterday in specific parts of the country.

At a virtual press conference, Comelec director Lai David said Robredo’s application for a campaign event in the National Capital Region (NCR) was denied due to a missing document, while Moreno’s application for a motorcade in Central Luzon was denied as it was “filed out of time” for failure to make the 72-hour deadline.

Meanwhile, De Guzman’s application for his campaign rally in Quezon City was also denied. “Per records from (Comelec) NCR, they don’t have any … they didn’t receive any application for the conduct of any mode of campaign from the group of Ka Leody de Guzman,” David said, noting that De Guzman would be held liable for violating an election offense if he pushes through with his campaign rally in Quezon City without a permit.

De Guzman and running mate Walden Bello launched their campaign yesterday at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani in Quezon City, one of the country’s freedom parks.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez clarified that denying an application permit does not mean banning a particular candidate from campaigning because there are various types of campaigning that a candidate can partake in.

“What is important is that you can still campaign if you follow the campaign [guidelines]. It isn’t the only mode of campaigning you can participate in. Please remember, there are other modes of campaigning that are available to you that are less risky,” he added.

Under Comelec’s guidelines for physical campaigning, candidates are required to apply for a permit for their campaign activities from the Comelec Campaign Committee, which regulates mass gatherings especially in areas with high COVID-19 cases.

Reminders

As the 90-day campaign period kicked off for nationally-elected positions, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman Jonathan Malaya on Tuesday reminded candidates and supporters to follow sortie regulations and health protocols, warning them of stiff penalties involving fines and even imprisonment.

If sortie teams and supporters violate health protocols, Malaya said violators may face imprisonment of one to six months and a fine of P20,000 to P60,000 at the discretion of the court, depending on the charges filed by the Comelec or the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos added that candidates running for national elective posts should comply with Comelec Resolution 10732 that set the rules for in-person campaigns, rallies, meetings and other related activities.

The Comelec has formulated guidelines for in-person campaigning under the new normal. Under the rules, physical contact such as handshakes and taking selfies are prohibited to avoid getting infected with COVID-19. Also prohibited is the distribution of food and drinks.

Every outdoor campaign activity must have a duly approved conduct of election campaign permit, filed at least 72 hours before the actual activity. For in-person campaigns, the application must be attached with proof of identity of the companions.

While he vowed police officers would exercise maximum tolerance, Carlos said they would not hesitate to file charges against violators. “Whoever shall violate, will have to face the consequences,” he said.

For her part, retired Comelec commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the country’s rules and laws on vote-buying should catch up with modern technology.

Prayer power

The Manila Cathedral has launched a “prayer power campaign” for clean and orderly elections.

“As the candidates for the 2022 elections kick off today, we also begin our prayer campaign for peaceful, credible and transparent elections. May we choose leaders according to our Christian values and teachings,” the Manila Cathedral said on its official Facebook page.

The cathedral said the prayer is in response to the endorsement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and they are reciting the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting prayer for the 2022 national and local elections in all of its masses.

The “prayer power campaign” is available in all social media pages of the cathedral. – Emmanuel Tupas, Neil Jayson Servallos, Robertzon Ramirez