The official campaign period for nationally-elected positions in the upcoming May 9, 2022 national elections in the Philippines will kick off on Tuesday, February 8, even if the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hover around the country.
Each presidential and vice presidential tandem will start the 90-day campaign period with a proclamation rally marked with strict health protocols outlined by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
Domagoso-Ong tandem
Aksyon Demokratiko’s standard bearer Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, and his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, for one will launch their campaign at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, in Manila, together with their three senatorial bets on Tuesday, starting at 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lacson-Sotto team
On the other hand, the tandem of Partido Reporma chairman and presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) chairman Senate President Vicente Sotto III will hold their proclamation rally at the Imus Grandstand, in Cavite also on Tuesday.
Before the rally, Lacson and Sotto will first attend mass at the Imus Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. before launching their campaign at the Imus Grandstand.
Robredo-Pangilinan
On the other hand, Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan will hold proclamation rallies in the Bicol Region on February 8 and 9.
All their 12 senatorial candidates are also invited to attend the Feb. 8 and 9 activities in Robredo’s turf.
Robredo and Pangilinan will start their opening program at Angat Buhay Village in Lupi, Robredo’s mass housing project in Camarines Sur. Before proceeding to Magsaysay Avenue in Naga City for their proclamation rally at 5 p.m.
Bongbong-Sara’s UniTeam Alliance
Meanwhile, the UniTeam Alliance of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will launch their political bid at the Philippine Arena in Ciudad de Victoria, in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
PDP-Laban’s Pacquiao-Atienza
Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) presidential candidate Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and his running mate, Buhay Partylist Representative Lito Atienza will kick off their campaign at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City starting with a mini-caravan at 3 p.m. also on Tuesday.
Ka Leody-Bello tandem
Also on February 8, presidential aspirant and labor leader Leody de Guzman will hold a proclamation rally together with his running mate, vice presidential candidate Prof. Walden Bello, three of their senatorial candidates, their partylist, Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) will hold their proclamation rally at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City at 6 p.m.
Organizers of the national candidates’ events have issued guidelines requiring participants to wear face masks at all times and to observe the minimum public health standards.
A “no vaccination card, no entry” policy has also been enforced by most of the political candidates’ organizers.