Lacson backs 'no handshakes, hugs' rule in campaigning

Presidential aspirant and senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday expressed support for the Commission on Elections'  guidelines that bans shaking the hands and hugging of voters during the campaign period.

Lacson said the Comelec’s guidelines for the conduct of the in-person campaign will prevent the transmission of the viral disease.

“Tama lang ‘yan kasi pang-una talaga natin ay health eh kasi everything else follows. Kailangan ang pinakapriority natin sa panahon ngayon ng pandemya yung kalusugan [at] ‘yan ang pangunahing factor na parang pamantayan natin sa lahat ng gagawin natin,” he said in a radio interview.

[That is right, we need to prioritize our health. Health is our top priority in this time of pandemic and the main factor and standard in everything we do.]

On taking “selfies” from the candidates, Lacson advised the supporters to take photos with distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Yung mga kababayan natin na huwag muna sigurong mag-selfie pwede naman tayong makipagpicture taking na medyo malayo at saka na lang izoom pagnasa cellphone na,” he said.

(To our fellow Filipinos, let us avoid taking selfies with our candidates. We can take a picture that is a bit far away and then just zoom it in the cellphone.)

Under Comelec Resolution 10372, handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm in any action that involves physical contact among the candidates are strictly prohibited during in-person campaigns in all alert level categories.

It also prohibited the taking of selfies, photographs, and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions.

As per Comelec calendar, the campaign period for candidates running for national posts will start on February 9, 2022.

Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates in local elective posts is set to start on March 9, 2022. —LBG, GMA News