The Commission on Elections is looking at the possibility of banning face-to-face campaigning for the May 2022 national elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As far as the Comelec is concerned, the pandemic won’t be over for quite a while,” James Jimenez, Comelec spokesperson said in an interview.

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Jimenez said that the proposal is based on the assumption that the pandemic is still there during the elections.

“Certainly, there will be a change in the campaigning landscape. Activities such as giving out campaign materials or going out and talking to people face-to-face, that’s going to change. Door-to-door campaigns might be prohibited,” he added.

JImenez said that the poll body is considering the fact that face-to-face interaction may lead to virus transmission.

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The Comelec said that the candidates may face the option of online campaigning but they have yet to make the campaign rules.

“I am not certain whether or not such prohibition will be declared,” Jimenez added. (TDT)