Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday, Feb. 16, said he would continue shaking the hands of his supporters during campaigns despite the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) restrictions on physical contact amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“They are entitled to do what they have to do. Our lawyers will handle the people, doon na ako sa taumbayan muna, uulitin ko, sa taumbayan muna ako (I will be with the people first),” Domagoso said in an interview with GMA News.
“Bakit naman hindi? Eh, naabot ko lahat ng tao. Ganon ang gobyerno, inaabot mo lahat ng tao, hinihila mo sa baba pataas (Why not? I reach out to everyone. That’s what a government should be, you reach out to everyone, you pull up those who are below), and I will continue doing that,” he pointed out.
The Comelec had earlier reminded all candidates that all forms of physical contact such as hugging, shaking hands, and posing for selfies or group pictures are prohibited.
Gathering crowds, entering homes during door-to-door stops, and distributing food, drinks “and all other goods and items" are also not allowed.