Eleazar reiterates call to observe COVID-19 health protocols during COC filing

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday reiterated his appeal to all elective office aspirants and their supporters to strictly observe COVID-19 health protocols when filing their Certificate of Candidacy (COC).

Eleazar underscored that aspiring candidates should serve as role models of discipline and health protocols amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“Personal akong nakikiusap sa mga kandidato, kasama ang kanilang mga supporters, na patuloy ninyong irespeto ang mga patakaran ng Comelec at ng ating pamahalaan tungkol sa public safety sa inyong pag-file ng COC,” the PNP chief said in a statement.

(I personally urge the candidates, along with their supporters, to continue to respect the policies of the Comelec and our government regarding public safety in your COC filing.)

“Dahil kung hindi, paano niyo makukumbinsi ang mga botante na magiging epektibo kayong mga lider kung ang simpleng pag-didisiplina sa inyong mga taga-suporta ay hindi ninyo magagawa,” he added.

(Because if not, how can you convince voters that you will be effective leaders if you cannot simply discipline your supporters?)

The PNP chief said that those individuals who file their COCs must also ensure the protection of their supporters amid the threat of the viral disease.

Eleazar also reminded the public that the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) was suspended to ensure that there was no firearm-related violence during the eight-day filing of COCs nationwide.

“Patuloy na nakatutok ang inyong PNP sa mga susunod na araw hanggang matapos ito at pinaaalalahanan ko din ang ating mga kababayan na may gun ban tayong ipinapatupad hanggang 7 a.m. ng October 9 bilang bahagi ng ating security measures,” he added.

(The PNP will remain focused for the next few days until the end of the COC filing. I also remind the public that we have a gun ban in place until 7 a.m. on October 9 as part of our security measures.)

Aspirants to national posts started filing their COCs on Friday, October 1.

The deadline for COC filing is on October 8. — DVM, GMA News