(File photo) MANILA - An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday said it is now the right time to ease restrictions on campaign rules in areas where alert levels have been relaxed. In a television interview, poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said they are supporting Commissioner George Garcia's proposal for more relaxed campaign rules. Jimenez said this will also enable candidates to interact with more people and stakeholders and will also ease the poll body's preparations as the elections near. "Well I think it's very important that (there has been a proposal) for the easing of Covid-19 restrictions because certainly, we are in a new environment now. We will, of course, give more room for more observers to pay attention to those venues that we have. Not just the servers but also talking about the National Printing Office (NPO) for example and the Sta. Rosa facility of the Comelec," he added. Comelec Resolution 10732, issued in November last
(File photo) MANILA - An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday said it is now the right time to ease restrictions on campaign rules in areas where alert levels have been relaxed. In a television interview, poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said they are supporting Commissioner George Garcia's proposal for more relaxed campaign rules. Jimenez said this will also enable candidates to interact with more people and stakeholders and will also ease the poll body's preparations as the elections near. "Well I think it's very important that (there has been a proposal) for the easing of Covid-19 restrictions because certainly, we are in a new environment now. We will, of course, give more room for more observers to pay attention to those venues that we have. Not just the servers but also talking about the National Printing Office (NPO) for example and the Sta. Rosa facility of the Comelec," he added. Comelec Resolution 10732, issued in November last
(Photo courtesy of Comelec) MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to review the poll campaign rules to coincide with the government's alert level classifications being implemented in the country. Comelec acting chairperson Socorro Inting made the remark in response to complaints of some candidates, particularly on the prohibition in taking selfies and giving handshakes. "Yes, we are aware of these complaints of some candidates. Maybe we will review our rules. Now there is a possibility that we will be downgraded to alert level 1, so maybe we will review our rules soon for the campaign to be consistent with the alert level," Inting said in a press briefing after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the poll body and Vote Pilipinas in Manila on Wednesday. Comelec Resolution 10732, issued in November last year, sets rules and regulations on the poll campaign under the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The resolution added that in-
Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo) MANILA - Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reminded troops to refrain from commenting on any political posts on social media to avoid allegations of engaging in partisan politics. "Avoid posting, liking, sharing, and commenting on posts that are politically motivated, controversial, and fraudulent," he said in a statement Monday night. Brawner also reminded PA troops about their two solemn duties to vote and ensure orderly elections. "Let me remind you of our two solemn duties in the coming elections: vote and ensure peaceful and orderly elections. We will not tolerate partisan politics and military adventurism," he added. Brawner along with other major service commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard witnessed the signing of the Joint Letter Directive (JLD) No. 01-2022 in Camp Crame, Quezon City which
LEGAZPI CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bicol on Thursday reminded candidates to file first with their office a written application, whether onsite or online, before conducting face-to-face (F2F) or in-person campaign activities to avoid committing poll offenses. Lawyer Rafael Olano, Comelec-Bicol regional director, issued the reminder as the campaign period for those seeking national elective positions officially starts on February 8. In a radio interview, he said making phone calls or "texting" is not considered an official means of asking permission for in-person campaigning. "In fact, our office has been receiving already several phone calls to ask permission for in-person campaigns. But we immediately tell them that they have to file their written application by personally appearing at our office or through online links," Olano said. Existing resolutions require Comelec to issue the permit to conduct in-person campaign within the 48-hour period