The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned on Monday, Jan, 31, that stiff penalties under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10732 await erring political aspirants and their supporters who would be found breaking the mandated campaign rules for the 2022 national and local election.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan MalayaMalaya explained that the penalties for the campaign infractions vary depending on the nature of the violation as stated in the Comelec Resolution.

“Kung ito po ay mga violations ng section 87 on rallies, meetings or political activities or section 88 on public rallies or section 89 on transportation of food and drinks, ang penalty po niyan ay imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years with no right of probation (If these are violations of section 87 on rallies, meetings or political activities or section 88 on public rallies or section 89 on transportation of food and drinks, the penalty is imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years with no right of probation0,’’ Malaya said.

He added that the campaign lawbreaker will also be disqualified to hold public office and may be disqualified to exercise the right to vote in future elections.

The DILG spokesperson noted that persons violating the minimum public health standards face jail terms of not less than one month but not exceeding six months or payment of fine in the amount of not less than P20,000 but not more than P50,000 or both subject to the discretion of the court.

“So, mabibigat po ang mga penalties na nakasaad sa ating batas kaya sana po ay magtulungan ang Comelec, DILG at ang mga kandidato, kanilang supports at political parties para po maging matiwasay ang ating pangangampa (So, the penalties stated in the law are stiff, hopefully the Comelec, DILG and our candidates, their supporters and political parties will join hands to achieve an orderly political campaign),’’ he added.

Malaya reminded the political aspirants and their supporters that Comelec Resolution 10732 imposes the no- contact campaign meaning that handshakes, hugs, kisses, arm-and-arm or any action that involves physical contact among the candidates, their companions and the public are prohibited.

“So humihingi po kami ng tulong sa ating mga pulitiko at sa anilang mga supporters and political parties na sundin po natin itong mga pamantayang ito dahil any violation of the rules and regulations implemented by the Comelec is an election offense (So we are asking the help of the politicians and their supporters and political parties to follow these guidelines since any violation of the rules and regulations implemented by the Comelec is an election offense),’’ Malaya emphasized.