Malacañang on Wednesday, Feb. 9, said it is the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that will impose sanctions against violators of health protocols in election-related activities as the campaign period for the May 2022 elections started.

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said violations of minimum health guidelines in election-related activities, such as campaign rallies, are already under the jurisdiction of Comelec.

"In terms of enforcement, in terms of protocols and guideline, dahil nag-umpisa na nga po ang campaign period, February 8, kahapon, under na po talaga iyan, strictly speaking, sa jurisdiction ng Comelec (as the campaign period started, it is already under the jurisdiction of Comelec)," Nograles said in an interview over Radyo Pilipinas.

Candidates for national positions kicked off their proclamation rallies in different parts of the country on Tuesday, Feb. 8, with health safeguards in place due to the ongoing pandemic.

"Kung may mga violations po doon sa mga (If there are violations on the) guidelines and protocols including minimum public health standards guidelines of Comelec, it is up to Comelec now to impose sanctions, punishment against the violators," he explained.

Nograles, who is also the co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, said they would continue to impose penalties on violations in non-election-related activities.

Nograles earlier reminded the election candidates and their supporters to strictly observe the minimum health standards set by the government such as wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing as the campaign season in the country officially began.

Aspirants for the elections and the public are told to refrain from having physical interactions such as handshakes and hugs during campaign sorties.

Taking selfies close to the candidates and giving away food and drinks in campaign events are also prohibited.

"Let’s keep our elections fair, orderly, peaceful, and safe. Sundin lang po natin lahat ng guidelines pagdating sa (Let’s follow all the) minimum public health standards at siyempre yung mga guidelines din ng (and of course, the guidelines of the) Comelec, let’s follow and obey all the rules, regulations, and laws of the land,” he earlier said.