Año warns violators of poll campaign rules
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has warned candidates of sanctions if they violate the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) with regards to health restrictions in coming May elections.
Año was pertaining to activities during the campaign period which starts on February 8 such in-person campaign, caucuses, meetings and conventions, motorcades and caravans, and miting de avance under the new normal.
In a briefing with the President Monday night, Año said that the DILG will support local government units in strictly implementing the COMELEC guidelines and act on all the complaints they receive.
All candidates violating the COMELEC rules will suffer jail terms from one to six years and be meted with perpetual disqualification from holding office.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will also be tasked to maintain peace and order during the conduct of election campaign activities.
In localities under level 3, Año said that a candidate or political leader may be accompanied by a maximum of three campaign support staff while in-person campaigning is prohibited in levels 4 and 5.
The DILG chief said that there is no limit in the number of persons in areas under level 1 while a candidate or campaign leader may be accompanies by a maximum of five staff in level 2 places under Section 12 of the COMELEC Resolution.
For caucuses, meetings, convention, rallies, and miting de avance, COMELEC rules according to Año, allow 70 percent of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor but only in areas under level 1 while 50 percent is permitted in places under level 2.
In level 3 areas 50 percent of the operational capacity of the venue is allowed for enclosed outdoor only while 30 percent of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor only is permitted in level 4 localities.
No such activities are allowed in areas under level 5.
Año also noted that “crowding, or allowing there to be, crowds that violate MPHS (minimum public health standards) around candidate and his or her companions, handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm in arm or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public, taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions and the public, distribution of food and drink and all other goods or items (especially cash)’’ are not permitted.
