The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will prohibit “public display of affection” or PDA in the upcoming campaign period for the 2022 elections.
In a conducted forum in the House Committee on People’s Participation on Tuesday (July 13), Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez pointed out the prohibition of PDA such as handshakes or kissing babies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Where public displays of affection used to be part of the whole idea of campaigning as they say. Politicians go out to shake hands and kiss babies. You’re not gonna be able to do that anymore. Because that will certainly be very risky behavior. And yes, that qualifies as PDA and that will have to be strictly regulated,” he said.
However, the commission admitted that mass gatherings cannot be banned every hour, but it will be limited and controlled.
The Comelec also prohibits the distribution of food by the candidates to their voters.
Report from Daniel Manalastas/NGS-rir
