Comelec spox: Revisiting reso on campaign rules necessary

Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez said Thursday that revisiting the resolution on the rules on political campaigning for Eleksyon 2022 is “necessary” considering the relaxed pandemic restrictions.

In a radio interview, Jimenez said he expects the review of the entire resolution to be finished soon, as the campaign period is already in its last two months.

The campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions officially started on February 8

On the other hand, the campaign period for those gunning for local elective posts will begin on March 25 and end on May 7.

“I think necessary nga itong pagrerebisa nito dahil nakikita naman natin, not just nagluluwag naman na ang IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) ngayon kundi nakikita nating nahihirapan kahit ang taong bayan natin na sumunod dito sa rules na ito,” Jimenez said.

(I think it is necessary to revise the guidelines because the IATF is already easing the restrictions and the people are also having a hard time in observing these rules.)

“Gusto nating linawin na yung rules natin ay responsive kaya inaprubahan ng en banc ‘yung proposal ng aming bagong commissioner, si commissioner George Garcia, to review itong resolution na ito,” he added.

[We want to make the rules to be responsive to the situation on the ground. Thus, the en banc approved the proposal to review the resolution.]

Comelec Director Elaiza Sabile David said on Wednesday that the proposal of newly-appointed Comelec Commissioner George Garcia to review Resolution 10732 during the en banc meeting was approved.

She said the new guidelines would be aligned with the existing COVID-19 alert levels being implemented by the government.

READ: The dos and don'ts during campaign season amid pandemic

Currently, the National Capital Region and 38 other areas nationwide are under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to March 15.

Under Alert Level 1 -- the lowest level under the new alert level system -- intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards. —LBG, GMA News