'Jail or disqualification for candidates violating health protocols during campaign period' -COMELEC

Baguio City, Philippines – Violation of the health and safety protocols during the campaign period for the 2022 election is now considered an election offense and candidates found guilty may face imprisonment or perpetual disqualification, Atty. John Paul Martin of Comelec Baguio reiterated on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Under Comelec Resolution 1073, the protocols considered being followed in the campaign include regular wearing of face mask and face shield, at least one-meter physical distancing, regular disinfection of hands, and proper etiquette for coughing and sneezing.

Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “any person found guilty of any election offense under this Code shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.”

Violators may also face disqualification from holding any public office and be barred from voting. A political party will be fined at least P10,000 if their officials are found guilty.

Martin explained that the objective of the resolution is to avoid possible new outbreaks during the campaign period as well as to protect voters and candidates from getting the COVID-19 virus.

“Bawal po ang beso-beso, kissing, hugging, and other physical contact because it might be a cause of an outbreak… So sino ang dapat kakasuhan? Kung si kandidato ang lumapit kay supporter [close physical contact] si kandidato ang liable, kung si supporter naman ang lumapit kay kandidato, si supporter ang liable.” Martin stressed.

The campaign period will start from February 8, 2022, to May 7, 2022, for national positions while from March 25, 2022, to May 7, 2022, for local positions.

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