Palace: Allowing large campaign rallies up to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is leaving it up to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disallow large political rallies amid fears of another COVID-19 surge in May.

“We recognize the constitutional mandate of the Commission on Elections in enforcing and administering all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections,” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement yesterday.

He said Comelec Resolution 10732 contains the allowable/prohibited election campaign activities, including the holding of in-person campaigns, conventions, caucuses, meetings, miting de avance and rallies.

“Any revision of this resolution, in view of possible COVID-19 surge, shall be supported by the Executive,” Andanar said.

OCTA Research group warned yesterday that active COVID-19 infections in the country could reach from 50,000 to 100,000 soon, considering the surge in cases in other countries due to subvariants.

“We are seeing a possible increase in cases. Actually, it could happen any time. The reason for that is we are seeing a surge in South Africa and in Delhi, India. These are countries with similar characteristics with the Philippines,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David said at a public briefing.

Earlier this month, Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, warned the country may face a COVID-19 surge after the campaign period and the May 9 polls, which could potentially be superspreader events. Solante said the “waning immunity” of vaccinated individuals may also trigger a surge.