By GLENDA TAYONA AND RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO – From handshakes to fist bumps. From traditional debates or face-to-face meetings to virtual conferences. From overcrowding to limited seating capacity of venues during campaign sorties.
These are just some of the scenarios expected during the conduct of various campaigns and political activities for the 2022 elections because of the restrictions brought by the lingering threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Candidates must see to it that all public health protocols are complied with, said Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Region 6.
“We don’t want campaign activities to become ‘super spreader’ events,” Balisado stressed.
In the city and province of Iloilo, both under Alert Level 2, Mayor Jerry Treñas and Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized that all gatherings should comply with alert level guidelines, and participants must observe the minimum public health standards against COVID-19.
Defensor’s Executive Order 646 specifies that all establishments and activities are allowed to open and be undertaken at 100 percent operational and venue capacity; except, pursuant to the 3Cs policy of the government, those that are considered high risk (those that involve closed venues, crowds and close contact activities).
Defensor noted that establishments or activities such as venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) are allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only, and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and seventy 70 percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that, all participants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Treñas’ EO No. 137 also allows the same.
While Balisado admitted that crowds are sometimes hard to control, it would still depend on the candidates how they would conduct safe campaign sorties.
He also cited that the local government units have the jurisdiction as far as the venue capacity is concerned.
“We should make our candidates be responsible on how they conduct their campaigns. Considering ‘yung mga kasama nila ‘yung mga supporters nila. For all you know two to three days before the election may ma-COVID diyan. Hindi makaboto ‘yung mga tao,” Balisado added.
GUIDELINES
Comelec Resolution 10730, which contains the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act for the 2022 polls, included guidelines on the compliance with the COVID-19 protocols during campaigns.
Section 34 of the Resolution provides that within 24 hours after the conclusion of any in-person campaign activity, the campaign organizing staff shall submit a notarized Affidavit of Compliance with Health Protocols to the Comelec with territorial jurisdiction over the place where the in-person campaign activity was conducted.
Comelec warned that failure to submit an affidavit shall constitute noncooperation of the person or entities punishable under Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11332, otherwise known as the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
“It shall be unlawful for any candidate, party, or any person to act in a manner that violates the minimum health and safety protocols, and other applicable guidelines prescribed by the Comelec and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases,” the resolution read.
The poll body further emphasized that COVID-19 preventive measures and health and safety protocols such as wearing of facemask and face shield, one-meter physical distancing, frequent disinfection of hands, and those issued pursuant to the guidelines published by the national government, Department of Health (DOH), IATF- MEID and local government unit concerned, shall be observed at all times in all activities covered by the resolution.
For instance, for in-person campaign, among the Comelec’s dos and don’ts include:
* for areas under Category Level 1 (Alert Level 1) – no limit
(The alert level is based on the IATF-MEID recommendation)
* Category Level 2 (Alert Level 2) – a candidate or campaign leader may be accompanied by a maximum of five campaign support staff
* Category Level 3 (Alert Level 3) – a candidate or campaign leader may be accompanied by a maximum of three campaign support staff
* Category 4 and 5 (Alert Level 4 and 5) – not allowed
Moreover, the following activities are strictly prohibited during in-person campaigns in all category levels.
* Entering any private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even with the express permission of the homeowner;
* Crowding, or allowing there to be, crowds that violate minimum public health standards around the candidate and his or her companions;
* Handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any that involves physical contact among the candidates, 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.
The campaign period for the May 9 local and national elections will start on March 25 up to May 7 for local candidates and Feb. 8 to May 7 for national bets.
SUPPORTERS’ SIDE
Gerald Peñaranda, chairman of the Liberal Party (LP) Iloilo-Magayon Chapter and one of the convenors of the Iloilo for Leni and Team Leni Robredo (TLR) Volunteers who support the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo, understood that the ultimate goal is everyone’s safety.
They were thankful because COVID cases continue to slow down.
He, however, emphasized that being fully vaccinated is not a guarantee that one is already immune against the virus.
“That is why we really tell them to observe strict health protocols,” said Peñaranda.
Although he admitted there is really no assurance on social distancing, Peñaranda said they marshal their ranks.
Peñaranda said they, too, have compliance officers present during various activities.
TRADITIONAL VS DIGITAL
For Peñaranda, the traditional way or the face-to-face engagement with the people would be more effective than campaigning via social media.
“Sa social media pindot-pindot ka man lang kamuhanon man lang ‘na. Indi mo gid ‘na ma-explain – kis-a ma-misinterpret pa,” he said.
Peñaranda added: “Best is face-to-face engagement sa mga tawo to really make them understand what is really happening. We can engage them in a good manner nga maintindihan nila kag maka-relate gid sila.”
Nevertheless, Peñaranda said they are also on social media. He said the Volunteers for Leni has an assigned Robredo People’s Council where every sector is represented./PN
