Comelec to aspirants: Exercise extreme restraint in conducting premature campaigning activities

With the increase in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country, an official of Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on political aspirants to exercise extreme restraint in conducting their premature campaigning activities.

"The Comelec calls on all aspirants to exercise extreme restraint in conducting their premature campaigning activities, regardless of what these activities may be called," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said on Twitter.

Although Comelec campaign rules aren't enforceable since it's not the campaign period yet, he reminded aspirants of the restrictions under Alert Level 3.

"Note the following Alert Level 3 restrictions: Rallies are allowed, but only up to 50 percent of the venue capacity; and 50 percent passenger capacity limit for all vehicles in motorcades," said Jimenez.

In another Twitter post, the poll official likened political aspirants who hold rallies and encourage crowding to "Poblacion Girl" for putting people in the same risks from COVID.

"Aspirants who stage rallies and encourage crowding by their supporters are just as bad as that 'Poblacion Girl,'" Jimenez said.

The poll official was referring to the individual, who supposedly skipped the quarantine protocols to attend a party in a bar in Makati City. The individual later tested positive for COVID-19.

Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 3 until Jan. 15 due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, the decision of the camp of presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to suspend its political activities earned praise from Jimenez.

"Credit where credit is due, this is a laudable move," he said.

"It would be epic, however, if the suspension of public appearances, sorties, and assemblies were until February 8, 2021," Jimenez added.

On Monday, Marcos camp lawyer Vic Rodriguez in a statement revealed that the former senator ordered the deferment of all activities of the UniTeam until Jan. 15.

"In this regard, all public appearances, sorties and assemblies of the BBM-Sara UniTeam will be postponed during the said period," read the statement.

"The UniTeam also advises all its supporters nationwide to exercise self-restraint and avoid holding unilateral campaign/ political activities that might result in the further surge of COVID19 cases in their areas," it further read.

Marcos Jr. also ordered the closure of the BBM-Sara UniTeam headquarters starting Jan. 3 for disinfection after more than 20 staff tested positive for COVID.