THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, December 6, urged political candidates to avoid holding events that may result in overcrowding especially amid the threat of Omicron variant of Sars-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
"Kami po nanawagan ulit sa mga opisyales, sa ating mga kumakandidato sa dadating na election, wag po sana tayo maghold ng events na alam natin might cause overcrowding and this might cause infections in the coming days or weeks," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
"Parating po ang Pasko ngayon so sana mapanatili nating mababa ang mga kaso para naman po magkaroon tayo ng masayang Pasko para sa buong Pilipinas," she added.
On Sunday, December 5, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, held an event in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija that was attended by thousands of their supporters.
In a radio interview, Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez said the campaign guidelines they issued will only take effect in February, the start of the campaign period.
He urged the candidates to observe the minimum health protocols during campaign sorties ahead of the campaign period.
“Mukhang hindi naman nasusunod (health protocols). Nilabas nga natin nang maaga para sana may guidelines ang mga kandidato pero wala, ‘di naman sinusunod, siksikan pa rin ang mga tao,” said Jimenez.
He said they are continuously coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to regulate campaign sorties.
Jimenez said candidates may face charges for overcrowding amid the Covid-19 pandemic despite possible claims that the organizers were their supporters and not them.
Under Comelec Resolution 10730, dated November 17, or the rules and regulations for implementation of the Fair Election law in connection with the May 9, 2022 elections, preventing measures and health protocols against Covid-19 include:
1. Wearing of face mask and face shield
2. One-meter physical distancing
3. Frequent disinfection of hands
4. Proper cough and sneezing etiquette
"Any violation of Fair Elections Act and these Rules shall constitute an election offense punishable under the first and second paragraph of Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations, whenever applicable," the resolution read.
This may result in imprisonment or disqualification of the candidate. (SunStar Philippines)