Malacañang said the elections should push through despite the ongoing worldwide health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We must not use the existing global health crisis as a ground to cancel and reschedule the elections as this would not sit well with the public,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated.
“We can learn from the examples of other countries, such as the United States, which will be holding an election later this year, on how they conduct polls during COVID-19 pandemic,” Roque added.
This came after Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo made the suggestion on Thursday (based on the sentiments of his constituents) to the COMELEC to consider postponing the 2022 elections as a last resort due to the health emergency.
Senator Franklin “strongly” opposed the proposal of Arroyo, saying that it “is part of a continued effort at a ‘no-el’ scenario” that could “be a prelude to the main objective of extending the terms” of lawmakers and elected officials.
Foreign Affairs Chief Teddy Locsin Jr. also maintained that the elections should not be cancelled “for any reason” since doing so is “treason.”
Bayan-Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate added that even Congress cannot postpone the 2022 elections.
Senator Christopher Bong Go also called for more alternatives through technology for a clean and safe conduct of the upcoming elections.
The National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) favored the new normal setup where elections will be conducted for two to three days to prevent crowding.
Meanwhile, Arroyo clarified that he is against the postponement of the 2022 elections and is not planning to file a bill on the matter. However he said that it will be a different scenario when the pandemic worsens.
– Report from Daniel Manalastas
