Shaking hands, posing selfies with the crowd, prohibited under the new campaign guidelines

Shaking hands, posing selfies with the crowd, prohibited under the new campaign guidelines


Physical contact during the campaign period should be avoided at all costs during the campaign period.

Hugging, shaking hands, and even posing for selfies with the crowd—all SOPs (standard operating procedure) during the campaign period—could suddenly get them disqualified.

As the campaign time for the May 2022 general elections approaches, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has enacted strict rules to guarantee adherence to health standards in the face of the ongoing danger of COVID-19.

Violation of the government's health and safety standards will be considered an election infraction, according to the poll body's Resolution No. 10732. The consequences are severe: up to six years in jail and ban from holding public office.

"During all election campaign events, candidates and participants should, at all times, follow MPHS (minimum public health standards)," according to the 21-page resolution released on Thursday.

All prohibited acts are handshakes, kisses, hugs, "going arm-in-arm," posing for pictures, and delivering food, beverages, and other objects at rallies, caucuses, conventions, and other political events.

The physical distancing shall be observed during public gatherings, according to the resolution.

Motorcades are also forbidden from stopping, and candidates are forbidden from entering voters' houses, even if they have permission.

Political parties that violate the regulations face a minimum punishment of P10,000.


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