DILG reminds officials to enforce health protocols amid elections

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reminding local officials, campaign organizers, and establishments to enforce minimum public health standards to curb Covid-19 cases amidst relaxed restrictions and election-related gatherings.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año highlighted the upcoming May 9 national and local elections as a major challenge, expecting around 60 million voters to participate.

Even before election day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) are facing difficulties in crowd control due to mass gatherings at campaign events, exacerbated by the relaxed Alert Level system.

Violations of health protocols, including face mask use, mass gatherings, and physical distancing, have significantly increased from April 15 to 24.

Año urged barangay officials, community leaders, commercial establishment managers, and campaign organizers to actively assist in the strict enforcement of minimum public health standards.