EDITORIAL - A campaign period like no other

There is a joke going around social media that the fastest way to end the pandemic is to start the campaign period for elections. “Wagtang lagi ‘nang pandemiya basta sugod ‘nang kampanya,” as one netizen put it.

Along this line, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has reminded local government units and the police to strictly enforce restrictions on election-related activities. We foresee that they will be very busy.

This campaign period is unprecedented; it not only falls during a time when people are supposed to be home to avoid getting or spreading a virus that can potentially kill them, it is also one that precedes one of the most crucial elections in our history since the next administration has to deal with critical issues like economic recovery, the still-ongoing pandemic, the China issue, and mounting debt, among others.

Given that one of those running for the presidency includes the son of someone who has so been reviled by Philippine history, there is also bound to be a lot of emotion and activity during this period.

Aside from that, Filipinos are just fiends for politics. Many of us may not admit it but they feel so much passion for parties and candidates in particular. They are willing to wear the shirts and colors, bring the fans, and spend time away from others things just to see their candidate deliver a speech or even just pass by briefly in a motorcade.

Most of all they are also willing to lend time and participate in activities involved in that candidate’s campaign, activities that will inevitably lead to chances where the coronavirus can be caught or transmitted.

Of course, the responsibility does not lie with the LGUs and police alone. We, the people, as voters and supporters of candidates or parties, play a bigger part in making sure not to spread the pandemic.

We must not forget that even as we encourage others to vote for our man or woman, our party or party-list, we may be spreading more than just beliefs, pamphlets, or other campaign materials.

Along that line, we would also like to remind the Commission on Elections that time is running out for a concrete plan to carry out an election amid a pandemic. By now they should have a plan on how millions of voters can carry out their government-given rights without risking their safety and that of others.