DILG warns poll bets: Follow campaign rules

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday reminded candidates to lead by example in complying with health protocols during poll campaign activities under the new normal.
    “Pero ang panawagan po ng DILG sana po mag self-police yung mga kandidato. Alam naman po nila yung batas. Sana po sila yung manguna sa pagsunod sa batas para po yung kanilang mga supporters ay sumunod din sa kanila (The DILG is calling on the candidates to practice self-policing. Hopefully, they lead the way in observing the law to make their supporters follow them),’’ DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a Laging Handa briefing.
    To avoid campaign sorties from being superspreader events, Malaya maintained that it is the "collective responsibility" of the public and the political groups to adhere to lawful election campaign activities, stressing that the police and the local government units (LGUs) cannot keep a close watch of all the campaign activities of candidates round the clock.
    “I think just like what normally happens in our everyday lives where family members go outdoors or leave for work, sometimes they bring Covid-19 with them at home. That is what will exactly happen in the campaign activities if the people will not exercise precaution. So I think guarding against superspreader events in the country should be a collective responsibility of the candidates, their supporters, their political parties, and the public and of course including the DILG, PNP, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),’’ he stressed.
    Malaya also said the DILG has "prepared long and hard" to enforce the campaign guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
    He said the PNP has been oriented and will continuously be briefed on “allowable and not allowable’’ election campaign activities.
    Malaya confirmed that the DILG field officials are also being trained to keep them abreast with the guidelines stipulated in Comelec Resolution 10732, which sets campaign rules linked to the existing alert level systems.
    He added that Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, with the agency being deputized by the Comelec, issued directives to the PNP, AFP and barangay officials for the need to strictly enforce all the provisions stated in Comelec Resolution No. 10732, particularly Sections, 12, 14, 15 and 16 which pertains to the allowable campaign activities based on the corresponding alert level of an area.
    Aside from the directives, Malaya disclosed that Año assigned field officials to be active members of the Comelec campaign committee from the regions down to the municipal level.
    On sanctions, Malaya explained that campaign rule violations carry varying penalties depending on the nature of the violation.
    If the campaign activities violate Sections 87, 88, 89 which pertains to political rallies, meetings, the use of transportation, food, and drinks of the Comelec guidelines, Malaya said that jail terms of not less than six months but not more than one year, disqualification to hold public office and right to vote may be imposed.
    In relation to minimum public health standard violations, Malaya said it carries the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month or not more than six months or a fine of between PHP20,000 to PHP60,000 depending on the discretion of the court.
    “Maganda po basahin ng ating mga kababayan ano yung (Comelec Resolution No.) 10732 dahil nakalagay po dito yung guidelines for the conduct of election-related activities amid the continuous threat of the Covid-19 (It is noteworthy for the public to read what is in 10732 since this is where the guidelines for the conduct of election-related activities amid the continuous threat of Covid-19 are stated),’’ Malaya reiterated.
    Meanwhile, the PNP assured that it will strictly monitor candidates' compliance with the campaign rules.
    “I’m sure that all candidates are well aware of the Comelec resolution on campaigning. We will not look at any political color here, but our role is to enforce the health protocol. Whoever shall violate, will have to face the consequences. Please comply with these requirements so our PNP personnel can better monitor election-related activities. Our goal is to ensure the safety of everyone participating,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.
    Carlos also reiterated that all police personnel is prohibited from campaigning for any candidate or from influencing the public to favor a certain candidate. -- PNA