Candidates asked to observe safety protocols during campaign

By Joseph Zambrano

Comelec Baguio election officer Atty Reyman Solbita (middle)pose for posterity during his guesting in Usapang PIA radio program with program host Peter Wasing (left) and PIA staff Joseph Zambrano (right) PIA-CAR file photo

BAGUIO CITY (PIA)—(February 7, 2022) Political parties and candidates should apply for permits to campaign to ensure safety protocols and public health amidst the prevailing COVI-19 pandemic.

Commission on Election(Comelec)  Baguio Election Officer lawyer Reyman Solbita said during the weekly Usapang PIA radio program over Z Radio,  that candidates must file written applications, whether onsite or online, before conducting face-to-face or in-person campaign activities for safety purposes.

Candidates should abide by health protocols and guidelines which will be provided by the City Campaign Committee composed of the Comelec, DILG, City Health Services Office and Baguio City Police Office.

Solbita said public campaigning will depend on the alert level status of the city.

For face to face campaign during alert level 1, a political candidate can have as many support staff. But under alert level 2, a candidate is allowed five support staff and three support staff if alert level 3.

Handshaking, kissing, hugging, going arm-in-arm, taking selfies are some of the prohibited physical contacts during the campaign activities like rallies, caravans, caucuses, meetings, conventions and miting de avance.

Campaign period for president, vice-president, senatorial positions and party-list groups is from February 8 to May 7, 2022 and for local positions – members of House of Representatives, Governor, vice governor, mayor, vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panglungsod, or Bayan, is from March 25 to May 7, 2022. (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)