Malacañang on Friday said local government units (LGUs) and politicians and their supporters should work together to ensure political caravans’ adherence to health protocols amid the pandemic.
“Kailangan po nating lahat magtulungan. So una, sa mga nagpa-participate sa mga caravan na ito, itong mga supporters – tandaan po natin na mask, hugas, iwas, bakuna,” acting Palace spokesman Karlo Nograles said.
Nograles said that only fully vaccinated individuals should participate in huge political gatherings.
He urged LGUs to strictly enforce health protocols and prevent their constituents from being complacent.
“Huwag nating sayangin lahat ng accomplishments natin, accomplishments po ninyo [sa vaccination], kayong mga nasa LGUs,” he added.
Nograles said the Department of the Interior and Local Government had started assessing sanction distancing violations during caravans.
The Comelec has declared violations of Covid-19 health and safety protocols as election offenses, but its campaign period guidelines will only take effect on Feb. 8, 2022 for national candidates and March 25, 2022 for local candidates. John Ezekiel J. Hirro