Comelec: Bets to face penalties for health protocols violation in campaign

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned candidates in the 2022 national and local elections of fines and imprisonment if health protocols are violated during their campaign-related activities.

“It has been brought to our attention that several campaign sorties conducted since the campaign period started have not been compliant with the mandatory face mask and face shield policy, as well as the strict physical distancing requirements,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

“In case the candidates need reminding, they are responsible for the safety of their staff and supporters and that the guidelines on physical campaigning are strictly followed— that is their lookout,” he added.

Jimenez reiterated that violations of physical campaign guidelines, as provided by Comelec Resolution 10732, are being “strictly monitored” by the campaign committees in every locality as guided by the National Comelec Campaign Committee.

The NCCC, which is headed by Commissioner Rey Bulay, is coordinating with the Department of Health.

The Comelec emphasized that violations of the physical campaign guidelines are considered as election offenses or violations of the minimum public health standards.

The poll commission said an election offense is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation.

Meanwhile, violators of minimum public health standards may face a fine of not less than P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment.

According to Comelec, all persons participating in campaign activities in any capacity must wear full-coverage face shields together with face masks.

The poll body also reiterated the need to observe the minimum public health standards at all times

In-person campaigns, rallies, caucuses, meetings, and conventions, motorcades and caravans and mitings de avance are covered by Comelec Resolution 10732.

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

Several 2022 candidates have recently called on the poll body to reconsider its regulations for the in-person campaigns.—LDF, GMA News