POLITICIAN-CANDIDATES in the May 2022 elections may be allowed house-to-house campaigning but would not be allowed inside people's residences.
This situation was disclosed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing as he engaged in talks with the sub-committee on data analytics to discuss the establishment of new campaign protocols.
It should be noted that the atmosphere for next year's elections as far as the campaigning styles are concerned is far different from the pre-pandemic era and much different, I should say, since there are several restrictions.
In explaining why politicians cannot go inside the voters' residences, Densing said they may be potential carriers of the disease. But politicians, particularly in Metro Manila, can hold public meetings as long as the minimum public health standards are followed. For example, these should be held in an open space and with a maximum capacity of 50 percent.
Theoretically, these protocols and limitations are doable, but considering the Filipino psyche, these are almost always bound to be disobeyed. Aha!
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And the problems concerning social media have yet to be addressed, especially the notion of vote-buying through GCash and other apps.
The military has been advised to keep off politics and is expected to be non-partisan for the sake of peace and security of mind and spirit since they have the coercive power over the voters, to say the least.
Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Xerxes Trinidad remarked thus: It only means the Army will always be fair and secure everybody, if needed, and not to join any activity that could be considered political in nature.
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In an apparent move to prevent irregularity in the distribution of cash aid, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has come out with new regulations for the Covid-19 displaced workers.
These new rules cover the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or the Tupad program.
The IDs will be given the QR code issued by DOLE to make sure the aid will be obtained by the beneficiaries themselves.
The DOLE has distributed about P7 billion in cash assistance to Tupad beneficiaries nationwide.