Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 8) – The official campaign period for national post aspirants kicks off Tuesday with presidential candidates set to stage proclamation rallies in different areas nationwide.
National candidates are given three months, or until May 7, to present their platforms and convince voters to support them come election day, May 9.
Earlier, the Commission on Elections released guidelines on campaign activities to ensure public health and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ: LIST: Restrictions during in-person campaigns, caravans of 2022 bets
A total of 10 candidates are vying to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte, while nine are joining the vice-presidential race. There are 64 hopefuls for the senate seat.
To formally begin her campaign, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo will be in her hometown in Camarines Sur, with her running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Their caravan will tour the whole province, starting in Del Gallego town at 6 a.m., while their proclamation rally will be held at Plaza Quezon in Naga City at 6 p.m.
Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., meanwhile, will hold his proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Sta. Maria, Bulacan at 4 p.m. He will be joined by his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
The tandem of Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III will be in Cavite, Lacson’s home province. They will hear a mass at the Imus Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. before proceeding to the Imus Grandstand where their proclamation rally will begin at 5 p.m.
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, whose running mate is BUHAY Party-list Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza, is also expected to mark the start of his campaign in his hometown General Santos City at 3 p.m. Pacquiao’s staff on Sunday evening said the venue is still subject to change, with another option being Alabel, Sarangani.
The nation’s capital will be the venue for Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong’s proclamation rally. It will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Ermita, Manila at 4:30 p.m.
Labor leader Leodegario “Leody” De Guzman, meanwhile, will officially kick off his campaign at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City at 6 p.m. He will be joined by his running mate, former congressman Walden Bello.
Other presidential candidates are Ernesto Abella, former spokesperson of President Duterte; Norberto Gonzales, former Defense Secretary during the term of ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Jun Montemayor, lawyer and doctor; and Faisal Mangondato, a businessman.
The campaign period for local candidates — which include members of the House of Representatives, and elective provincial, city, and municipal officials — will begin on March 25.
