Comelec warns candidates on health protocol violations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned candidates in the 2022 national and local elections that they will face penalties for violating health protocols during campaign activities.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez noted that many campaign sorties have disregarded mandatory face mask and face shield policies, as well as physical distancing requirements.

Candidates are responsible for the safety of their staff and supporters and for ensuring that guidelines on physical campaigning are strictly followed.

Violations of physical campaign guidelines, outlined in Comelec Resolution 10732, are being strictly monitored by local campaign committees under the guidance of Commissioner Rey Bulay and the National Comelec Campaign Committee, with cooperation from the Department of Health.

Election offenses are punishable with imprisonment of one to six years, while violations of minimum public health standards can result in fines of P20,000 to P50,000, or imprisonment of one to six months, or both.