The Commission on Elections (Comelec) national campaign committee held its first coordination meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3 in preparation for the start of the campaign period next week.

Commissioner Rey E. Bulay, the Commissioner-in-Charge of the National Comelec Campaign Committee (NCCC), led the virtual session with representatives of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to iron out details of the implementation of the guidelines on in-person election campaign activities under the new normal.

"As we approach the start of the campaign period on Feb 8, the Comelec, through the NCCC, wishes to assure the public that the duly constituted campaign committees nationwide stand ready to implement the guidelines institutionalizing the new normal in the conduct of in-person campaigns, rallies, caucuses, miting de avance, motorcades and caravans for the 2022 National and Local Elections," he said in a statement.

In Resolution No. 10732, the NCCC is authorized to classify the Category Level of each region, province city, and municipality, in conformity with the alert Level classification issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

Under Category Level 1, the Comelec will allow up to 70 percent of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor; while under Category Level 2, up to 50 percent of the operational capacity of the venue, whether indoor or outdoor will be lowed.

Under Category Level 3, it allowed to have up to 50 percent of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor only; while Category Level 4 shall allow up to 30 percent of the operational capacity of the venue for enclosed outdoor only.

As for Category Level 5, all election campaign activities will not be allowed.

The guidelines fully outline the appeals process in case the designated category level is reclassified, the application process prior to the conduct of any election campaign activity and the corresponding documentary requirements.

During the meeting, the agencies gave their pledge of support to carry out their mandated duty to the end that the general public and all electoral stakeholders will witness, for the first time, a nationwide automated election that is in full compliance with strict public health and safety protocols.

"In the enforcement of these guidelines and prosecution of violations thereof, we are likewise assured by the commitment of the deputized agencies who have been our valued partners through the years in ensuring not just a free, honest, peaceful and credible electoral exercise but a safe one," Bulay said.