Candidates were again reminded to implement health protocols to avoid contamination in ongoing political rallies.
A few days after the campaign formally began, the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately spotted several violations.
On Sunday, the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) blamed the camp of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan for several violations of the minimum health standard and the large number of people who flocked to their grand rally held at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Robredo’s spokesperson apologized.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque called on the candidates to work with the LGU and PNP.
But if only the Philippine Medical Association is to be asked, it would be better to limit the campaigns to online activities. It is challenging to implement precautions to ensure that the ongoing campaign rallies do not end up in disarray.
“Ang payo lang natin sa mga kandidato, mag-online ano na lang tayo muna,” said Dr. Benito Atienza.
PMA said the campaign period is not the right time to downgrade to Alert Level 1.
Candidates campaigning reminded about health protocols
“Ayaw muna nating ibaba ‘yong alert level from 2 to 1 kasi nga po pag Alert Level 2, nag-umpisa na ‘yong kampaniyahan at makikita naman po natin na dinagsa ‘yong mga rally natin eh hindi natin malaman diyan kung nasusunod (mga health protocols),” PMA president Dr. Benito Atienza said.
“Dapat po ang distancing ay one meter,” he added.
Malacañang announced that Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 2 until February 28.
Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles announced after the Metro Manila Council, or board made up of 17 Metro Manila mayors, agreed to keep the region on Alert Level 2 until the end of February as only five of the 17 local governments remain. units in NCR are considered “low risk” in COVID -19 while others are “moderate risk.”
Alert Level 3 includes areas of Iloilo City, Iloilo province, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental and South Cotabato.
Under Alert Level 2, certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated) and 70% capacity outdoors.
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