Malacañang has reminded all local and national candidates and their supporters to ensure compliance with minimum public health standards throughout the campaign period.
“We call on the candidates, their supporters and our countrymen to continue to adhere to the minimum public health standards. Covid-19 is still here,” Acting presidential spokesperson, said in a Palace press briefing.
Nograles also reminded candidates and their supporters to refrain from engaging in any form of physical contact during in-person campaigning for the May 2022 polls.
“Shaking of hands, embracing, cheek kissing, and any form of physical contact is prohibited in the 2022 campaigning. Taking selfies or photos that require close proximity are also banned as well as the distribution of food, drinks and all other goods or items in campaign events,” he added.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) said daily Covid-19 infections are expected to drop by mid-February but achievable only if minimum public health standards continue to be observed and high vaccination rates are sustained.
“If all goes well, we expect to see a continued decrease in new Covid-19 cases in our country this February, but again, it’s in our hands, especially since it is the start of the national campaign for national candidates,” he said.
Nograles also expressed confidence the Comelec would enforce Covid-19 restrictions throughout the 86-day campaign stretch.
For the 2022 elections, there are 10 presidential candidates, nine vice presidential aspirants, 64 senatorial hopefuls, and 177 aspiring party-list groups.
Organizers of in-person campaigns, holding of rallies, caravans among other campaign activities must secure permits from the Comelec’s newly-created National Comelec Campaign Committee by applying in the regional or provincial election offices where their events will be held.