No Handshakes, Hugs, Or Selfies: Comelec Outlines Covid-19 Restrictions This 2022 Campaign Season

Government candidates are once again asking for our votes

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It’s officially the start of election season in the Philippines, so we’re expecting the politicians and their supporters to launch large-scale events and gatherings.

But Covid-19 is still here, so the Commission on Elections (Comelec) made sure they put up new campaign guidelines for the health and safety of everyone.

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Politicians and their supporters must maintain social distancing

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Unlike all the previous national elections in the Philippines, the one on 9th May 2022 is surrounded by existing restrictions of the global pandemic.

The Comelec and National Comelec Campaign Committee (NCCC) produced Resolution No. 10732 to set up clear regulations that people should follow while engaged in political activities.

We break it down for you here.

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2022 Campaign guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic

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Here are some rules outlined in Resolution No. 10732, wherein electoral candidates and their teams are not allowed to:

• engage in any activity that involves physical contact with the public, i.e., handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, taking selfies, photographs, and other similar activities that require proximity.
• crowd, or allow gatherings that violate minimum public health standards.
• enter any private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even with the express permission of the homeowner.
• distribute food and drinks, and all other goods or items.
• stop during motorcades.

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Comelec reminds politicians to be responsible

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Senator Manny Pacquiao during his caravan in Davao
Image credit: Manny Pacquiao

Since the campaign officially started on 8th February 2022, several politicians have launched their candidacy and attracted hundreds to thousands of supporters to each of their chosen venues.

Uniteam’s proclamation rally in Philippine Arena in Bulacan
Image credit: PNA

Some politicians opted for enclosed arenas, some went with open-air stadiums, but one thing is the same across the board – most failed to follow Covid-19 campaigning guidelines.

Candidates, their teams, and supporters removed masks, took selfies, and failed to maintain social distancing, as seen in several photos and videos from their rallies.

Senator Ping Lacson addressing the public in Davao
Image credit: Ping Lacson

That’s why the Comelec reiterated that politicians and their teams should be responsible and follow the set rules, so their events won’t become the cause for another uptick in infections.

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Covid-19 is still here, and politicians and supporters are not immune to it

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Vice president Leni Robredo’s grand campaign rally in Quezon city
Image credit: VP Leni Robredo

Keep in mind that we are still far from done with the global pandemic, and since the threat of Covid-19 is still here, stick with the health protocols in place.

Stay safe and avoid the virus so you can carry on supporting your political bets and be able to cast your votes at the national elections on 9th May 2022.

Also check out:

• Leni Robredo facts
• Ping Lacson facts
• Isko Moreno facts
• Bongbong Marcos facts
• Manny Pacquiao facts

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Cover image adapted from: VP Leni Robredo, Isko Moreno, and Manny Pacquiao