LGUs, PNP told to strictly enforce poll campaign rules

INTERIOR SECRETARY Eduardo Año ordered local governments and police forces to strictly implement rules on political campaigns allowed under the existing Covid-19 alert levels across the country.

Año said the local governments and the police must be on top of ensuring that minimum public health standards are enforced during face-to-face campaigns, rallies, caucuses, meetings and conventions, including motorcades and caravans; and Miting de Avance.

“Sisiguraduhin po nating tumutupad ang mga LGU sa Comelec Resolution 10732 bilang pagtitiyak na magiging ligtas ang ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng kampanya. We are facing a much transmissible variant kaya naman hindi tayo dapat magpabaya maging ngayong panahon ng halalan. Una pa din ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan kaya mariing ipinapaalala ng DILG ang pagsunod ng LGUs at PNP sa mga panuntunan ng COMELEC,” he said.

Año was referring to COMELEC Resolution 10732 dated November 24, 2021 outlining the guidelines for the conduct of 2022 Election-related activities amid the new normal and the continuous threat of the Covid-19.

He said local governments must adapt necessary measures and strategies to comply with the COMELEC resolution; streamline existing local government policies and to ensure observance of the guidelines within their locality.

“The 2022 election is a very important event for the country but we must take into consideration that we are still currently battling an enemy that thrives in gatherings. We expect LGUs and the PNP to strictly enforce the poll guidelines,” Año said.

He said the police are called to maintain order and security and to impose strict observance of health protocols during any election-related campaigns in coordination with the barangay officials, tanods, and the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams.

“Kailangang pagalawin ng mga LGU ang lahat ng kanilang law enforcement units upang tiyakin na magiging ligtas at malayo sa Covid-19 ang mga makikiisa nating kababayan sa mga kampanyang ito,” Año said. “Please avoid partiality and bias in granting approval for these campaign activities. Unahin po natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan bago ang pamumulitika.”

COMELEC Resolution 10732 states that face-to-face campaigning is not allowed for Alert Levels 4 and 5, while candidates or campaign leaders must only be accompanied by a maximum of five staff in Alert Level 2; and three for Alert Level 3.

For Alert Level 1, there is no limit to the number of companions the candidates can have.

Also, for in-house campaigning, entering any private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even with the express permission of the homeowner; and, crowding, or allowing crowds that violate MPHS around the candidate and his or her companions are not allowed.

For caucuses, meetings, convention, rallies, and Miting de Avance, 70% of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor is allowed for Alert Level 1; 50% of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor for Level 2; 50% of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor only for Level 3; 30% of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoors only for Level 4 while for Level 5, none among the gatherings mentioned are permitted.

During motorcades in all category levels, stopovers, layovers, and other similar stoppages for the conduct of other election campaign activities are likewise not permitted.

Año said handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public; taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public; and, distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items are not strictly not allowed in all alert levels. (Mindanao Examiner)