CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) urged candidates and voters in Central Luzon to abide by rules as election period has officially started.
Assistant Regional Election Director Elmo Duque said carrying of firearms, other deadly weapons, and explosives as well as its transportation is strictly prohibited from the start of the election period last January 9 until its end on June 8 unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
“Stricter penalties ranging from 1 to 12-year imprisonment will be meted to all violators,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, official campaign period for national candidates namely President, Vice President, Senators and Partylist representatives begins on February 8.
Moreover, official campaign period for local candidates including District representatives, Governors, Vice Governors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, Mayors, Vice Mayors and Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan members kicks-off on March 25.
“Campaign period for all positions end on May 7. Campaigning is prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 14 and 15,” he furthered.
With the 2022 polls happening amidst the pandemic, Duque asked candidates in the region to connect with their local COMELEC offices on campaigning rules.
“To our local candidates in the region, we are asking for you to go and connect to the office of the election directors for the possible conduct of campaigns for peace, rallies, miting de avance, and others, for you to seek their guidance. They will discuss to you their duties in the conduct of campaign in observance of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
The official in turn reminded the public to observe the minimum public health standards with the prohibition of house-to-house campaigning, hugging, shaking hands, having selfies, distribution of food and drinks, and other physical interactions.
SOURCE: Jag Lyra D. Costamero-PIA3
