The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) assured that the May 2022 elections will continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an online forum on Monday (May 10), COMELEC Commissioner Antonio Kho stated that the 2022 national elections can be conducted despite the health crisis. The Palawan plebiscite, wherein the number of voters is high, is proof that it can be done.
However, the next elections must be COVID-proof.
Furthermore, the poll body is looking to extend the voting hours by two to three hours, and that the filing of the certificate of candidacy will be made per schedule. The poll body assured that it will consider the proposal of a non-government organization (NGO) to add ₱10 billion worth of funds to use in the COVID-proofing of the 2022 elections.
The poll body stated that it is currently drafting the guidelines for a “safe, and honest” 2022 national, and local elections.
“COMELEC is doing its job, ginagawa namin ang lahat para magkaroon ng safe at honest election.”
Meanwhile, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo cautioned that campaigning candidates must be disciplined to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the country. She stated that there are many ways to introduce themselves to the public without endangering the community.
Report from Kenneth Paciente/NGS-rir
