By Civ Alonzo-Cruz
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya prompts national and local candidates from organizing political rallies as the official campaign period has yet to start in his interview in Laging Handa livestream today, Dec. 3
DILG Usec. Malaya confirms receiving information pertaining to political rallies held by their supporters in some areas where national and local candidates visit.
“Nababahala po ang DILG sa kaliwa’t-kanang hayagang pagkakampanya ng iba’t-ibang mga kandidato at kanilang mga supporters sa panahong ito, nitong pandemya,” Malaya said.
“Bawal po ang mga political rallies sa panahon ng pandemya. Bawal ito, hindi pa ho panahon ng kampanya. Therefore, maghintay-hintay tayo ng formal campaign period before we can hold political rallies,” he said.
Earlier, DILG Sec. Eduardo Año also said in a statement that special gatherings will only be allowed if permitted by the local government unit (LGU) concerned, provided that all Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) are observed. He also recalled the threat of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 virus.
“We cannot put our guard down. The Omicron variant has already reached many countries and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches us. We are fortunate na bumababa ang kaso [ng COVID-19] sa ating bansa but this is not the time to push our luck. We can’t be complacent,” Año said.
Año also stated that only the caravans and motorcades were given the permission because there is physical distance and these are usually held for a limited time only. The caravans and motorcades are also held in open areas and can easily be monitored by the police.
“Naka-monitor ang mga kapulisan sa mga caravan o motorcade at sinisiguro nila na may physical distancing, hindi katulad sa mga political rally na mahirap i-control ang mga tao,” he said.
According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the official campaign period begins on February 8, 2022 for national posts and March 25, 2022 for local elective positions, including the position of Members of House of Representatives. -rir