PNP backs campaign caravan restrictions

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) threw his support behind the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which prohibits campaign caravans along major roads on weekdays.

“This will be practical since a lesser volume of vehicles are out on the streets,” Gen. Dionardo Carlos said, noting that campaigning along major thoroughfares is allowed only on weekends and holidays, based on the guidelines of the MMDA.

“May we also remind them (candidates) to get the necessary permit from the LGU concerned whenever they want to conduct a motorcade or caravan,” Carlos added, explaining that this was necessary for police units to be able to assist in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic.

‘Safety of families’

With campaign sorties expected to peak in the coming months, the Department of Health (DOH) urged citizens yesterday to rethink plans of joining these crowded events and consider the health of their families amid the continuing threat of COVID-19.

At a public briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said people participating in campaign sorties should always keep their safety and that of their families in mind.

“We should always remember that our fight against the virus is not yet over and we still have our families that we go home to at the end of these gatherings,” Vergeire said.

She made the call after watching the proclamation rallies of national candidates held last Feb. 8 and spotting violations of health and safety protocols.
The venues were teeming with people, particularly violating the physical distancing protocol.

The DOH had expressed concern that these campaign events would trigger a surge in COVID-19 infections.

This is really a cause of concern,T Vergeire said. The variants are still here and we are detecting not only Omicron, but also Delta variant as well.

While the daily tally of COVID-19 cases has been on the downward trend, the virus continues to spread in the communities, she noted.

She underscored the need to always observe safety protocols such as wearing of face shield if necessary, face masks and regular hand-washing, apart from social distancing.