The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said other government agencies should also monitor possible health protocol violations during the public rallies of political aspirants in the May 2022 polls.
"Why is everyone being given a free pass? Isn't it we have other authorities that are supposed to monitor these activities? It is not yet up to the Comelec," Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said in a television interview on Tuesday, Nov. 23.
He explained that the Comelec's authority won't come until February next year.
"We should press existing authorities now because it is under their jurisdiction," Jimenez said.
The Comelec has set the start of the campaign period for national candidates on February 8, 2022 while for local candidates is on March 25, 2022.
"As early as now, we should hold them accountable. Let us not wait for the campaign rules to take effect as it will still happen in February. But such violations are being done now," Jimenez said.
After the filing of the certificates if candidacy (COCs) last month, a number of aspirants for president and vice president have started going around the country which resulted to mass gatherings. Some lack physical distancing.
Meanwhile, the Comelec said the raffles being conducted by poll bets will no longer be allowed during the campaign period.
"During the campaign period, that is no longer allowed," Jimenez said.
"That is an electoral offense. The penalty will be...might include imprisonment up to six years as well as disqualification from holding public office," he added.