It’s “all systems go” for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) with the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (CoC) for the national and local elections on May 2022 amid the implementation of health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic, GMA News’ Tina Panganiban-Perez on “Saksi.”
The members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have already inspected the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila compound.
The inspection included the parking lot, area designated for the rapid antigen test, the area set up for the filing of COCs, the entry and exit of aspirants.
The expected aspirants will be filing CoCs for the position of President, Vice President, Senator, and Party-list representatives at the Harbor Tent Garden of the said hotel.
Panganiban-Perez reported that strict security measures are in place for the next seven days.
Also on standby within the compound are firetrucks, armored vehicle of the PNP Special Armed Forces, and ambulance.
There will about 3,000 PNP personnel, soldiers, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection who will be deployed to secure the area.
No fly and no fishing zone has been declared within one kilometer radius of the area starting midnight of Sept. 30 until the end of the time for CoC filing on Oct. 8, 2021.
PNP National Capital Regional Police Office Chief Police Major General Vicente Danao said the security plan and security measures are already in place.
“Wala po tayong seryosong threat na nare-receive,” said Danao.
“So far, we are ready naman, in case, of any eventuality that may happen.”
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will assist in making sure there would be a steady flow of traffic in the area.
MMDA Traffic Operation Officer V Emmanuel Miro said the thoroughfares that will be affected by the week-long activity are: Atang dela Rama, Buendia Avenue, Jalandoni, and Vicente Sotto.
HEALTH PROTOCOL
Aspirants are allowed a limited number of supporters into the venue due to the ongoing pandemic.
All Comelec employees on duty have been fully vaccinated.
All those entering the venue must present a negative COVID test result.
“Hindi na mangyayari yung mala-fiesta na filing kasi nga nasa pandemya tayo,”Comelec Chairperson Sheriff Abas said.
“So we already coordinated that with our partner agencies, like the MMDA and PNP na siguraduhin walang magkukumpol-kumpol na mga tao sa labas.”
Comelec offices in the provinces are ready to accept the CoC of aspirants in their areas.
Abas said the regional offices were already given pointers on how to implement health protocols during the filing of CoCs.
Voter registration, meanwhile, although extended by the poll body will be temporarily suspended to give way to the filing of CoCs.
Registration will be open again on Oct. 11 to 30, 2021. — BAP, GMA News
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