The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that those who will file their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Oct. 1 to 8 will observe the minimum public health standards amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said this is to prevent the COC filing event from turning into a “superspreader event.”
“So kapag yung event po, sa tingin natin will produce crowding or gathering of people---ito po yung mga high risk scenarios natin---kami po ay nage-emphasize ng safety ng mga taong pupunta (When there are events which we think will produce crowding or gathering of people, we always emphasize the need to ensure the safety of the people who will go to such high-risk scenarios),” said Vergeire.
The DOH Spokesperson said that with such events, all measures must be aligned with the country’s response against COVID-19.
Vergeire said that the Comelec should ensure proper health screening during the duration of the COC filing.
Physical distancing must be strictly observed among the people in the COC filing venue. Also, good ventilation should be strictly enforced inside the venue, said Vergeire.
“These (measures) should be implemented by the Commission on Elections,” she said.
Aspirants for national and local government positions are set to file their COCs---for the country's 2022 general elections--- from Oct. 1 to 8.
The filing of COCs for those running for national positions will be conducted in an outdoor tent at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.