No kissing of babies in 2022 polls, orders Manila
MANILA: Public displays of affection (PDAS) including kissing of babies, handshakes and hugs from candidates will no longer be allowed as part of the new normal arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the coming presidential polls in May 2022, according to a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official.
James Jimenez, the Comelec spokesman, explained the ban on the PDAS formed an integral part of the new guidelines drawn up by the poll agency, which are to be strictly enforced during the 2022 polls highlighted by the election of national and local officials led by the president, vice president, senators, congressmen, governors and mayors.
“PDAS used to be part of the whole idea of compaigning. Politicians go out to to shake hands and kiss babies. They are not gonna be able to do that anymore because these certainly are very risky amid the COVID pandemic,” Jimenez told the House of Representatives forum on people’s participation in the polls less than a year away.
Among others, Jimenez said that the Comelec would discourage the holding of mass gatherings involving politicians and their supporters.
He cited as an example, the tendency of candidates who encourage their supporters, featuring big bands to accompany them to file their certificates of candidacy at the Comelec offices.
Even the distribution of food, he said, will not be allowed during campaign events. He added that mediamen who, in the past campaign periods were allowed to join the crowds to interview candidates during rallies will not be exempt from the new guidelines. “Comelec is preparing comprehensive guidelines on coverage,” Jimenez said, “particularly with regard to safe coverage practices.
“One of the things that you see, videos of mass gatherings that are happening now prior to even the campaign period. You will see that even the reporters and the people shooting the footage are engaged in a risky behaviour.”
Mass gatherings will also be restricted as part of the basic health protocols being implemented to prevent the spread of the virus, Jimenez said as he pointed out: “Aside from restrictions on attendance and venue capacities, the granting of (rally) permits will likewise be limited.”