Are you in favor of campaign caravans in Metro Manila? [Poll of the Week]

The campaign period for the 2022 national election has started last February 8. This means that campaign caravans or motorcades of respective presidential bets are highly likely to occur in Metro Manila.  

Campaign caravans or motorcades are expected to happen more [Photo: Isko Moreno Domagoso FB]

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded 2022 poll candidates to observe and follow campaign guidelines, specifically when they are planning to hold caravans or motorcades. Previously, PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos voiced out his support to the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) directive that prohibits campaign caravans in major thoroughfares on weekdays.

As a review, the MMDA stated that motorcades and/or caravans are only permitted during weekends and holidays between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. The agency is also requiring candidates to secure a permit for their planned motorcades to have proper coordination with the MMDA as well as with the concerned local government units. 

The PNP chief added that the MMDA’s policy is practical since there is relatively lesser vehicle volume during weekends and holidays. 

“This will be practical since lesser volume of vehicles are out on the streets,” Carlos said.

“I hope that the candidates and their supporters will understand that they should not be the cause of delay for the general public,” Carlos added.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is also requiring candidates to secure permits whenever they plan to conduct a motorcade. National Comelec Campaign Committee head Elaiza David said that the campaign guidelines for this year are different from the usual policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates need to file an application with the respective Comelec Campaign Committee. 

Organizers of campaign caravans need to secure a permit [Photo: VP Leni Robredo FB]

In our previous report, David reiterated that “those who will conduct in-person campaign or hold advance meetings or rallies, caucuses, caravan, or motorcade, they need to file an application with the respective Comelec Campaign Committee.”  

“So for national candidates, their application should be filed with the regional offices of the Comelec. For local to provincial level to be submitted at the provincial offices of the Comelec. For municipalities, also in the offices of city or municipal election officers,” David added.

As the race for the country’s top government position gain traction, one could expect that motorcades will happen in Metro Manila. Aside from motorcades, organizers of the respective 2022 presidential bets could also most likely hold campaign meetings.

With that, are you in favor of the campaign caravans in Metro Manila even if it’s just allowed during weekends and holidays? Cast your votes now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week. 

Learn more about the cars available in the Philippines by visiting Philkotse.