MANILA, Philippines — While the rules are not yet clear, the Commission on Elections will require candidates for the 2022 polls to submit antigen test results, according to Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.
In a post on social media yesterday, Guanzon said requiring candidates to submit results of their antigen test for COVID-19 will be part of the 2022 election rules amid the pandemic.
Guanzon said those who cannot afford an antigen test “need not worry about the expenses,” although she did not elaborate if the Comelec would shoulder the cost of the candidates’ tests.
She also did not provide details if the test would be required during the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC), which will take place from Oct. 1 to 8, or on any other election-related activities of the Comelec.
“Elections under the new normal: Comelec will require an antigen test for candidates. Those who can’t afford need not worry about the expense,” Guanzon said on her official Twitter account @rowena_guanzon.
She did not respond when asked for clarifications.
The Comelec said it has yet to issue guidelines regarding the filing of COCs.
In a forum on Tuesday, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the new campaign rules for the 2022 polls would “ideally” be made available before Oct. 1, in time for the filing of COCs for those who intend to run in next year’s elections.
In another development, the Comelec urged Filipinos to register so they could participate in next year’s electoral process.
The poll body said there are only 77 days left before the Sept. 30 deadline for voter registration and there will be no more extensions.