NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded local candidates on Thursday of certain campaigning restrictions in light of the country’s improved coronavirus situation.

Commissioner George Erwin Garcia stated during a press conference that physical contact such as hugging, kissing, and handshakes are still prohibited.

“Always keep the health protocol in mind. We’ve reached alert level 1, the situation is excellent, everyone is moving around, and we’re able to conduct effective campaigns. Please ensure that your entire campaign team and staff are wearing face masks. Face masks are what have saved our world today. Simultaneously, even if your rallies draw a large crowd, ensure that there is social distancing,” Garcia added.

Prior to the election campaign season, health experts warned of an increase in cases due to increased mobility and lax quarantine protocols.

Local candidates can begin campaigning on Friday — with a total of 18,023 elective seats up for grabs on May 9.

Garcia stated that 845 of these positions are uncontested.

These include 39 House of Representatives seats, nine governor seats, 11 vice-governor seats, 45 provincial board seats, 203 mayor seats, 254 vice mayor seats, and 284 councilor seats.

Meanwhile, Garcia stated that they will begin removing illegal campaign posters for local candidates on Friday.

“Let us uphold private property rights. I’m hoping that our candidates will address their supporters. As long as the home’s owner is unwilling, even if the Supreme Court issued a TRO (temporary restraining order), do not violate the homeowner’s property rights,” he said.

Local candidates will have a 45-day campaign period ending on May 7.

Package with increased security

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stated that it is prepared to enforce a stricter “security” package due to the anticipated intensity of local campaign activities compared to national sorties.

“Magkakaroon lang po ng kaunting adjustment sa security package na being provided by the PNP dahil inaasahan na natin na mas intense at mas mainit yung labanan sa local level,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a television interview.

The PNP previously identified a number of hotspots, particularly in Mindanao, as areas of concern for the May 9 elections.

Gen. Dionardo Carlos, chief of the Philippine National Police, said some of these areas are known to harbor private armed groups.

Carlos stated that they will also monitor the situation in the Samar provinces to ensure communist rebels do not cause trouble in these areas.

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