THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) imposed restrictions on candidates’ election campaign activities for the May 9, 2022 elections in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections.
According to Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez, it depends on the situation, which will dictate whether it is right and necessary to limit certain activities.
Presidential and vice-presidential aspirants Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier suggested to the Comelec to reconsider Comelec Resolution 10732.
In the said resolution, candidates are strictly prohibited from conducting activities related to physical contact during the campaign period.
Lacson and Sotto emphasized that the restrictions are impractical and not well thought of.
Sotto even said that the Comelec cannot impose restrictions and regulations related to health issues. It also cannot restrict certain activities like taking of “selfies” because this part of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
“Sa tingin ko mali ‘yung ganong klaseng characterization kasi unang una, ‘yung implikasyon na sinasabi nila, na mali ‘yung paghaharang ng ganyan dahil nga violation ng right to free expression, tandaan natin na hindi lahat ng rights, absolute,” Jimenez said.
“‘Yung sa pagse-selfie, definitely ang itatanong mo diyan ay mas mahalaga ba ‘yung magpa-picture ka kaysa sa manatiling safe at walang sakit ‘yung mga taong nasa paligid mo?” Jimenez emphasized.
Jimenez advised those who would like to report campaign violations to go directly to the Comelec.
He said the poll body will help them report campaign violations safely, especially when they feel their lives are threatened.
“Kung gusto mag-report, tutulungan namin na panatilihin ang kanilang anonymity, hindi natin ilalabas ang kanilang mga pangalan. Pero at some point, kung kailangan ng mag-file ng complaint, kailangan silang lumantad,” paliwanag pa ni Jimenez.