CANDIDATES running for local posts have been reminded by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to strictly follow the guidelines issued as the 45-day campaign period for local candidates officially started today, March 25.
Commissioner George Garcia said that the political parties and bets should follow the designated areas for campaign materials.
Garcia in a talk show interview said “Samantalahin ko na po ang pagkakataong ito, lalung-lalo na sa mga partido political, alam po natin na kagabi pa kayo nagsasagawa ng operation dikit, number one kapag po yan ay public places, yan po ay pwede naming tanggalin kahit hindi naming kayo bigyan ng notice.”
Garcia added the poll body has already directed its field personnel to ensure that the candidates follow the rules on the campaign paraphernalia.
“Sinasabi namin na basta public places, alam naman ninyong mga kandidato, tatanggalin naming ang lahat ng election paraphernalia, campaign materials na meron po kayo,” Garcia added.
At the same time, Garcia said that while the poll body will abide by the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, candidates are not allowed to post campaign materials in private properties without the consent of the owner.
“Hindi porket ang private property, hindi namin magagagalaw ay gagawin na ninyo ang gusto nyong gawin sa private property, irerespeto po dapat ng mga kandidato ang karapatan ng may-ari ng ari-arian,”he noted.
Garcia added that the candidates should follow the minimum health protocol.
“Yung patungkol po sa minimum health protocol, hindi natin tinatanggal yan, kinikilala pa rin natin sa kasalukuyan ang IATF guidelines, yung constant disinfection, number two, lagi pa rin tayong dapat maglalagay ng face mask. Kung merong nagligtas sa atin sa panahon ng pademya, kayat nag-Level 1 tayo ay yung face mask. Ayaw nating gawin na yung ating political activity ngayon ay maging superspreader event.
Garcia also reiterated the prohibited acts during the election period.
“Kahit nag-100 percent na sa Level 1 at 70 percent capacity sa Level 2, whether indoor and outdoor, ay hindi na po kayo susunod sa minimum health protocol, againt bawal po ang hugging, kissing, arm to arm, and other physical contracts. Bawal din po ang selfie, ang dami po nating nakikita po diyan at siyempre kahit imbitahan kayo sa loob ng bahay ng mga constituents, wag na po kayong pumasok, bawal pong pumasok, kahit may pahintulot po ng may-ari,”he said.
