The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is currently studying if it should make some modifications in the campaign rules for the 2022 national and local elections considering the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“As of now, the existing campaign guidelines is still face-to-face. However, we are studying the possibilities of modifying our rules on campaigning since we have the pandemic,” said Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio.
“So if it is really not advisable for candidates to go face to face campaign, we may limit or introduce other forms of campaign that candidates can adopt,” she added.
Ampoloquio said that they will also look at how other countries conducted their elections amid the pandemic.
Meanwhile, there is a proliferation of banners or posters bearing the names and photographs of some politicians in some areas ahead of the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and campaign period.
The filing of COCs is scheduled from October 1 to 8.
However, this move is not yet considered as an election offense for premature campaigning, said Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez.
“There are no official candidates yet, and campaign season hasn’t started---the two elements needed for there to be the offense of premature campaigning,” he said.