President Duterte has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to come up with the necessary rules and regulations as he expressed worry about a possible surge of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases due to the lack of physical distancing in caravans of some candidates.

Duterte made the statement as Filipinos join caravans of different candidates for the 2022 polls amid the government's efforts to keep the Omicron variant out of the country.

In his pre-recorded public address on Monday evening, December 13, the President said it was a good thing that many Filipinos are now vaccinated but candidates should not push their luck.

"Do not tempt the gods," he addressed candidates.

He called on the Comelec to do something about it.

"I'd like to call the attention of Comelec. You are the ones supervising the elections. As a matter of fact, you are the one running the show. Could you not just issue a-- i-maintain lang ang social distance (just to maintain physical distancing)," Duterte said.

According to the President, he does not care if people would gather in one place as long as they keep their distance from one another, reminding the public that the country is not safe from COVID-19 yet.

"Punuin mo yung Luneta (Even if you fill up Rizal Park), for as long as you maintain the regulations imposed by the government. Kasi mahirap po ito pag magbalik (Because it would be bad if the threat of the virus comes back)," Duterte said.

"It might come back with vengeance. Babalik itong sakit na ito baka magrabe pa (We may have it worse). We are not out of the woods. The virus is still there," he added.

President Duterte said it would be better if the people will wait for the recommendation of health experts that it is already safe to go out.

"The doctors will say and the scientists will tell us that it is safe to move around and go out and mingle again in a crowd. Well, hintayin muna natin 'yan (Let's wait for that)," he said.

"In the meantime, let us not presuppose that since there has been a vaccine available to all, do not ever, ever presume na wala na yung (that there is no more) danger of recontamination," he added.

Despite this, the President is hopeful that Filipinos will get to enjoy a better Christmas this year.

"Should the current positive trend continue, dagdagan mo ng God willing (add God's will to that), and we as citizens remain cooperative with the government and health authorities, we will have a merrier and happier Christmas and New Year and fully overcome this pandemic," Duterte said.

"Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang ibayong pag-ingat laban sa virus at palagi nating sundin ang minimum public health standard at health protocols sa lahat ng pagkakataon sa lahat ng oras (Let us just continue taking care of ourselves against COVID-19 and follow the minimum public health standards and health protocols at all times)," he added.