The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Benguet on Thursday reiterated its call for candidates to follow campaign rules, especially on the use of posters and the observance of health and safety protocols.
“There are rules that each candidate must comply with. We are asking that they follow the rules on the use of the common poster areas and the size requirement,” said Lawyer Dexter Cawis, Benguet election supervisor, in a message.
The Comelec Benguet office also covers this city.
Together with the local government units and the Philippine National Police, he said they will be conducting regular “Oplan baklas poster”, removing those placed on prohibited areas and those that do not comply with the size requirements of the Comelec.
He added that candidates cannot just hold rallies, gatherings, and meetings anytime as they now have to get a permit from the local campaign committee at least three days before the conduct of these events.
He said the committee is composed of the Office of the Election Officer, Department of Health (DOH) or the local health office, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the area, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The permit will include lists of the requirement that must be followed by the applicant candidates to assure that their event will not become a super spreader event.
Col. Glenn Lonogan, director of the Baguio City Police Office in an interview on Wednesday, said that the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) homecoming itself that is scheduled next week which is expected to bring in some political candidates who are members or adopted members of the classes is not considered a political event, hence, there is no need for them to secure a permit.
However, those who plan to hold campaign activities for the duration of the alumni homecoming scheduled from February 15 to 20 must secure a permit from the city’s campaign committee.
Source: Philippines News Agency