Violations of COVID-19 health protocols during campaign activities are considered election offenses, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Comelec has included the health protocols prescribed by the Cabinet policymaking body on COVID-19 response in its campaign rules for the May 9, 2022, elections.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10730, it is unlawful for any candidate, political party or person to give or accept free âtransportation, food and drinks or anything of valueâ during campaign meetings.
âIt shall likewise 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 for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,â the poll body said.
Candidates and political parties are required to submit a notarized âaffidavit of compliance with health protocolsâ to the nearest Comelec office within 24 hours after any âin-person campaign activity.â
The Comelec said failure to submit the required affidavit âshall constitute noncooperationâ punishable under Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. (©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)
