Candidates for local elective positions in Muntinlupa are getting creative while campaigning amid Covid-19 rules imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The campaign for the local election started on March 25 and before this, the Comelec issued Resolution 10769 on the rules in campaigning.
According to the resolution, “all persons participating in election campaign in whatever capacity are mandated to wear face masks (ear loop masks, indigenous, reusable or do-it-yourself masks, or other facial protective equipment) and observe the minimum public health standards at all times during the period of the political activity.”
It also stated that during motorcades and caravans in all alert levels, the following activities are prohibited:
1. Stopovers, layovers and other similar stoppages for the conduct of other election campaign activities;
2. Handshakes. hugs, kisses. going arm-in-arm. or any action that involves physical contact among the candidate, their companions, and the public;
3. Taking selfies. photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions. and the public;
4. Distribution of food and drink. and all other goods or items
Since candidates have to wear masks while campaigning, the One Muntinlupa party candidates led by congressional bet Jaime Fresnedi, mayoral candidate Ruffy Biazon and vice mayoral bet Artemio Simundac printed their photos and ballot number on t-shirts to be easily identified by the public.
“The restrictions seem simple but in reality, especially to veteran politicians, it takes extra effort to comply. We have been so used to being close to the people, and after the separation due to the pandemic restrictions, even our constituents are eager to engage us,” said Biazon.
The May 9 elections will be the first under a pandemic. Voters were used to hugging, kissing and doing handshakes with candidates.
“There are instances when it’s the people themselves who shake our hands, come to close proximity or take pictures with us. We try to adhere to the rules, but admittedly it’s a challenge,” he said.
Fresnedi, on the other hand, makes sure that when he attends a caucus, he wears a face mask and sanitizes his hands to comply with minimum public health standards.