The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set guidelines for in-person campaigns amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Comelec released Resolution No. 10732 that outlined the rules in conducting different election activities in line with the May 2022 elections.

Under the resolution, all candidates and their campaign support staff shall be recognized as "Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) during the campaign period, regardless of the alert level system and vaccination status."

All individuals who will be participating in election campaigns "in whatever capacity are mandated to wear full-coverage face shields together with face masks, and observe the minimum public health standards at all times during the period of the political activity."

Individuals below 18 and over 65 years old, those with underlying medical condition, as well as heavily pregnant women are not allowed to participate in any election activities like rallies, motorcades "or other similar assemblies for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate."

The poll body also formed the National Comelec Campaign Committee, Regional Comelec Campaign Committee, Provincial Comelec Campaign Committee, and Municipal/City Comelec Campaign Committees.

These committees have duties to classify category levels in their respective jurisdictions; approve or disapprove applications for the conduct of election campaigns under the guidelines; monitor the conduct of election campaigns; prepare the reports about the election campaign; implement the other provisions of the guidelines; and perform other functions determined by the Comelec.

“No election campaign activity under this Guidelines shall be conducted without first obtaining the prior approval from the corresponding CCC,” the Comelec said. .

Allowable number of participants

The guidelines also identified a five-level classification which determines the allowed number of people for in-person campaigns.

Under category 4 and 5, physical campaign activities will not be allowed.

Meanwhile, areas under category 1, there are no limits on the number of campaign support staff accompanying the candidates.

A candidate may be accompanied by five people if the area is under category 2, and three campaign support staff under category 3.

Specific capacities for the conduct of caucuses, meetings, convention, rallies and miting de Avance were also outlined.

Utilization of 70 percent of the operational capacity of an indoor or outdoor venue are allowed in areas under category 1.

Fifty percent of the operational capacity whether indoor or outdoors are allowed under category 2, and 50 percent of enclosed outdoor activities are allowed in areas under category 3.

The Comelec also said that candidates are allowed to use 30 percent of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor only.

Meanwhile, meetings, convention, rallies, and miting de avance are not allowed under category 5.

Prohibited activities during in-person campaigns

The Comelec also set prohibited activities during in-person campaigns. These rules are applicable in all category levels.

Entering the private dwelling during house-to-house campaigning, even if with the express permission of the homeowner.

Crowding, or allowing there to be, crowds that violate minimum public health standards around the candidate and his or her companions.

Handshakes, hugs, kisses, going arm-in-arm, or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public.

Taking selfies, pictures and other similar activities that would require close proximity between the candidate, companions and the public.

Distribution of food and drink, as well as other goods or items.

Also, said physical contact as stated, taking of selfies, and distribution of food and drink and other goods or items are also strictly prohibited during the conventions, caucuses, meetings, miting de avance, and rallies.