FACED with the greatest dilemma ever in the holding of elections, the Commission on Elections has to find innovative ways to conduct said elections credibly.
According to James Jimenez, spokesperson for the Comelec, the election body is deep in preparations for the general elections on May 9, 2022, with the pandemic introducing impelling changes in the conduct of the campaign and actual vote. It will be a very tough task indeed for Comelec.
About four million new voters are expected to register but so far only about 1.6 million have registered, but more are expected to enlist till election day.
There are several prohibitions, however: while in-person campaigning cannot be completely banned, there will be limitations on crown size but eating during campaign rallies will be banned so as to ensure masks and face shields will be worn.
The election body monitors campaign expenses of candidates such as ad placements in radio and television, as well as spending limits and contributions from supporters and benefactors.
The Comelec is really in a quandary as far as social media is concerned.
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The filing of the certificates of candidacy is set in October this year and already some local candidates are making plans to field their bets for the national elections.
On top of the totem pole is the choice of a formidable administration candidate for the presidency, someone who could approximate the courage, bravado and boastfulness of the incumbent.
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On the local front, in Magalang, there are persistent rumors that an alleged big gambling operator who rakes in millions of pesos daily is allegedly bankrolling a former opposition bet against incumbent Mayor Romy F. Pecson. If these rumors prove true, then it will be a very hard uphill climb to victory by Mayor Romy!
In Angeles City, it will be a battle royale between incumbent Mayor Pogi Lazatin and Irineo “Bong” Alvaro or in case he (Alvaro) makes a run for the congressional race, then Bong will be up against Congressman Jonjon Lazatin. We’ll see...