The official campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions has officially started today, February 8, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Eleksyon 2022 is set on May 9.
Most of the presidential aspirants have set their proclamation on the first day of campaign period in their respective bailiwicks like Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who will hold his proclamation rally at Kartilya ng Katipunan, Senator Panfilo Lacson at the Imus Grandstand in Cavite, Senator Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City, and Vice President Leni Robredo at Plaza Quezon in Naga City.
Labor leader Leody de Guzman will mark the first day of his campaign at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City, former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will hold his proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, while presidential aspirant Jose Montemayor Jr. will hold his event in Pasay City.
Unlike the other bets, presidential aspirant Ernesto Abella will launch his campaign on Wednesday in Dasmari?as, Cavite.
These presidential aspirants will be accompanied by their respective running-mates.
Other presidential aspirants namely Norberto Gonzales and Faisal Mangondato have yet to announce details about their proclamation rallies.
Apart from the presidential and vice presidential hopefuls, aspirants who are seeking Senate seats are also allowed to start their respective campaigns.
The campaign period for local candidates, on the other hand, starts a month later on March 9, 2022.
On the eve of the start of the campaign period, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez reminded the public of the poll body's resolution which imposes limitations to in-person campaigning due to the threat of COVID-19.
"Campaign period for [national] candidates starts midnight tonight. During the campaign period, printed campaign materials must conform to Fair Elections Act regulations as to size and location of posting. COMELEC Reso 10732 is also in effect, on in-person campaigns," Jimenez said.
Under Section 14 of Comelec Resolution 10372, the following activities are strictly prohibited during in-person campaigns in all Alert Level category levels:
handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm in 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;
distribution of food and drink, and all other goods or items.
entering any private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even with the express permission of the homeowner; and
crowding, or allowing crowds that violate minimum public health standards (MPHS) around the candidate and his or her companions.
The first three activities listed under Section 14 are also prohibited during miting de avance.
The Comelec Resolution also imposed restrictions on motorcades since only candidates, campaign leaders, and supporters belonging to the same household would be allowed to be in the same vehicle.
Likewise, motorcades in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 4 should not have stopovers, layovers, and other similar stoppages for the conduct of other election campaign activities.
The following are also prohibited during the conduct of motorcades:
Handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions
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.
In another tweet, Jimenez also reminded the public of the "e-rallies" which the poll body organized to reach those who stay inside their residences as COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat to the public.
The Campaign S.A.F.E Comelec e-Rally Channel on Facebook grants online airtime to candidates for President, Vice President, Senator and party-list groups ranging from three to 10 minutes.
Each candidate for president and vice president will have a 10-minute airtime for each of three slots in a day, while Senate bets will have three minutes for each of five slots in a day.
Party-list groups will have three minutes each for each five slots per day.
Political parties will enjoy 10 minutes for each of their three slots per day.
Recently, the Comelec released the time slots for each candidate. This is based on the virtual raffle that it conducted last January 28.
The Comelec on Monday disclosed that they met with representatives from the police and military, among other government agencies, in connection with the conduct of in-person campaigns, motorcades and other related activities of candidates for the May elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting was also attended by the representatives of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
For Eleksyon 2022, the Comelec said even violations against COVID-19 safety protocols will be classified as election offenses.
Under Comelec Resolution 10730 dated November 17, or the rules and regulations for implementation of the Fair Election law in connection with the May 9, 2022 elections, preventive measures and health protocols against COVID-19 include:
wearing of face mask and face shield;
one-meter physical distancing;
frequent disinfection of hands; and
proper cough and sneezing etiquette.
Any election offense or violation of the Fair Elections Act will be punishable under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code which imposes a penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and will not be subject to probation. --NB/KG, GMA News
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