Shaking of hands, kissing babies and other physical interactions between candidates and the public will be restricted during the 2022 election campaign, among many safeguards against the spread of COVID-19, Comelec said Tuesday.
Food distribution during political rallies will also be prohibited, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told a virtual forum hosted by the House Committee on People's Participation.
"Politicians go out to shake hands and kiss babies. You’re not gonna be able to do that anymore because that will certainly be very risky behavior," he said, without directly saying that such will be banned.
While mass gatherings cannot be "banned outright," Jimenez said these activities will likewise be restricted.
"Aside from restrictions on attendance and venue capacities, behaviors, there will be restrictions on granting of permits," he said.
The Comelec will also closely coordinate with barangays nationwide to ensure that health and safety protocols on COVID-19 will be followed during the conduct of campaigns, Jimenez said.
According to the election calendar released by Comelec, the campaign period for the May 9, 2022 elections will start on Feb. 8, 2022 for national candidates and on Mar. 25, 2022 for local candidates.
