Comelec warns candidates: COVID-19 violations in sorties are election offenses

Philippine military and police personnel man a checkpoint along a road in San Juan city, suburban Manila on Feb. 7, 2022, on the eve of the official start of campaigning for the May 2022 elections.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Election urged candidates in the 2022 election to police their supporters after it observed violations of minimum public health standards at the official campaign sorties. 

In a statement, the Comelec reminded candidates that violations of the guidelines are classified either as an election offense or as a violation of the minimum public health standards. 

"It has been brought to our attention that several campaign sorties conducted since the campaign period have not been compliant with the mandatory face mask and face shield policy, as well as the strict physical distancing requirements," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/02/16/2161210/comelec-warns-candidates-covid-19-violations-sorties-are-election-offenses