Bets told to obey health protocols during sorties

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo City reminded candidates to strictly observe health protocols following the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

According to Jonathan Sayno election assistant II of City Comelec, “beso-beso” or kissing and handshaking during campaign activities of local polls remain prohibited in the metro despite its de-escalation to Alert Level 1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Based sa aton guidelines sa national Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) even if Alert Level 1 kita, indi gihapon pwede ang beso-beso kag handshake during campaign rallies kay yara gihapon kita sa COVID-19 pandemic,” Sayno said in a media interview.

Sayno also reminded the candidates to continue observing the minimum health standards during the campaign period such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.

“Dapat ang mga kandidato gamit gid facemask biskan yara kita sa Alert Level 1 kag observe social distancing kay kon indi it is considered violation sa guidelines sang IATF,” he added.

Meanwhile, local bets in the metro will no longer be required to secure permits from the Comelec Campaign Committee before holding their campaign rallies.

Sayno added that the requirement of permit is only applicable to areas under Alert Level 3 or higher.

However, he noted that political parties and candidates who will conduct their campaign sorties in public places like plazas will still be required to secure permits from the concerned local government unit.  (DG)