GP, Team Asenso failed to comply with minimum health protocols

BACOLOD City-The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod City disclosed that the two political groups failed to implement the minimum health protocols during their opening campaign rallies on March 26.

“Ang iban nag attend wala ga usar mask or gin uba, wala observance sang social distancing, damo physical contact,” City Comelec acting officer Revo Sorbito claimed.

The Grupo Progreso (GP) led by incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia held their rally at Bacolod City Public Plaza with a reportedly estimated crowd of about 40,000.

While, the Team Asenso led by Leonardia’s challenger Alfredo Abelardo Benitez held their political activity in Pagla-um Sports Complex with approximately 75,000 crowds, claimed by Team Asenso.

Sorbito said, “We file our report for appropriate action.”

According to Lawyer Caesar Distrito, vice mayoralty candidate of Team Asenso said that they observed the minimum health protocols.

“We posted the reminders both in the entrances, in several conspicuous areas, announced it in social media and by the emcees. Some marshals implement social distancing. Alcohol was also distributed and wearing face masks. The Comelec personnel were also there checking the area,” he said.

Panay News tried to reach for the comment of GP, but no to avail.

Earlier, Sorbito said they conducted a meeting with the 61 barangays in Bacolod City concerning the Comelec Resolution 10732.

The resolution contains guidelines for conducting the in-person campaign, rallies, political meetings or conventions, motorcades, and caravans, “miting de avance” for the 2022 elections.

Sorbito said he reminded the barangay officials that they have been already authorized by the Comelec to monitor the ongoing campaign activities in their different barangays.

“As part of the authority mandated to them by the Comelec, they are tasked to timely submit reports of such activities in our office based on their monitoring and observations,” the Comelec official said.

“Para mabal-an kon ang aton bala kandidato nag observe sang minimum health protocols, ukon nag violate bala sila sa aton Comelec resolution,” Sorbito stressed.

Part of the responsibilities of the barangay officials is to submit the reports every time there is an election activity in their barangays, as well as the candidates, are also mandated to submit their compliance reports within 24 hours after their campaign activity for the Comelec to know if their reports coincide with each other./PN