Comelec aiming for ‘COVID-19 proof’ elections

MANILA, Philippines — All the necessary safeguards are in place for a “COVID-proof” election, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials assured the 67.4 million voters trooping to polling precincts nationwide on May 9.

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay gave this assurance at a press conference yesterday amid fears of a possible surge in COVID-19 cases, following the Department of Health (DOH)’s confirmation that the highly contagious BA.2.12 Omicron subvariant has already been detected in the country.

Bulay said all safety measures, set by the poll body’s “new normal committee,” are in place with the help of various government agencies to ensure the safety of all Filipino voters.

“The new normal committee wants a COVID-proof election on May 9,” Bulay said partly in Filipino. “So Commissioner [Aimee] Neri went ahead and signed multilateral contracts with different department agencies for the control of the spread of COVID-19 and its new subvariants during the elections.”

He emphasized that these safeguards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are in place for the “present, during elections and post elections.”

He added that while they are not setting aside the view of some groups claiming a “high probability” for the elections to be a super spreader event for COVID-19, the Comelec shall not discourage voters manifesting any symptoms from casting their ballots.

On the part of the DOH, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they will not prevent any Filipino from voting on May 9, but strongly urged those experiencing possible COVID-9 symptoms to remain in isolation and avoid going out to avoid spreading an infection.

Amid the Comelec’s assurance of providing isolation facilities at polling centers for voters exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, Vergeire said: “Hopefully, voters won’t insist voting at the site if they feel sick to avoid infecting others.”

The DOH urged concerned agencies to enable those under quarantine and isolation to cast their vote safely without spreading the virus.

Postponing elections possible

Asked about the probability of postponing the May 9 polls in deference to a big surge in COVID-19 cases, Bulay said the Comelec cannot break its constitutional mandate to hold the elections regardless of the country’s pandemic situation.

“We appeal to our citizens to help conduct clean, peaceful and courageous voting; for credible results and for all to accept it,” he said.

Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Marlon Casquejo echoed Bulay’s sentiments, saying that the Comelec is ready for the May 9 elections.

Ferolino said that she does not think the Comelec could suspend the May 9 elections since they have “already prepared for any eventualities.”

“So, if there are challenges, we have prepared for that. We have contingency measures,” she said, adding that in the event of a spike in COVID-19 cases, they are also prepared to respond to it. “Whatever happens, we will have an election.”

Casquejo, too, was firm in saying that the May 9 elections would push through, citing the creation of the Comelec Emergency Monitoring Action Committee (CEMAC) as proof of their ability to respond to all election-related problems.

“We’re certain that suspension is not an option,” he said.

Go appeals to Filipinos

Eleven days before election day, Sen. Bong Go appealed to Filipinos to protect the sanctity of the ballot by taking a firm stand and making a conscience vote against unscrupulous candidates who coerce voters or try to buy their votes.

“Don’t be afraid! Do not send threats and bribes just to vote for leaders you do not like and do not represent the interests of the majority. We will continue to be vigilant in the coming weeks and until election day itself,” Go said.

“Let us remember that our vote is sacred, and it is our own decision as to who we want to vote,” he added.

He also echoed President Duterte’s call for orderly, fair and credible elections and supported his vow not to let terrorism and other illegal activities disrupt the May 9 elections.

“Like President Duterte, this is also my view and call to everyone. The election must be fair and peaceful to ensure that the outcome of the election truly represents the will of the Filipino people,” said Go. – Mayen Jaymalin, Cecille Suerte Felipe