Stiff sanctions await violators of pandemic campaign rules: DILG

STIFF SANCTIONS  await political aspirants and their supporters who will be found breaking election campaign rules set at a time of pandemic, the spokesperson of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned Monday.  

During a Laging Handa briefing Monday, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said penalties for the campaign infractions vary depending on the nature of the violation as stated under Comelec Resolution 10732 which institutionalizes the new normal in holding physical campaigns, rallies and meetings based on the Alert Level in a certain area.

"We are asking the cooperation and help of the politicians, their supporters and political parties to follow these guidelines since any violation of the rules and regulations implemented by the Comelec is an election offense,’’ Malaya said in Filipino.

Malaya said the Comelec resolution is "stricter" than the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Violators would be disqualified to hold public office and may also be disqualified to exercise the right to vote in future elections.

Persons violating the minimum public health standards face jail terms of not less than one month but not exceeding six months or payment of fine not less than PHP20,000 but not more than PHP50,000.

"The penalties stated in the law are stiff, hopefully the Comelec, DILG and our candidates, their supporters and political parties will join hands to achieve an orderly political campaign,’’ he said in Filipino.

The Comelec resolution, issued in November last year, states that contact campaigning, or handshakes, hugs, kisses, arm-and-arm or any action that involves physical contact among the candidates, their companions and the public, are prohibited.

Other prohibited acts include house-to-house campaigning even with the owner's permission, taking selfies and distributing food and drinks.

Malaya issued the reminder to political aspirants ahead of the start of the campaign period for nationally-elected positions on February 8 and March 25 for local candidates.

Malaya said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has issued an order to the local government units and the Philippine National Police to dispatch their teams to ensure that poll campaign guidelines are strictly observed. ( Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)