Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9) – Presidential bet Manila Mayor Isko Moreno appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider its ban on taking selfies during in-person campaign events.
“I hope, in changing times, in a situation, tingnan natin. Siguro pag-aralan nila yung mga alituntuning tingin kong sensible naman (let’s see. Maybe they should look at rules that I see as sensible),” said Moreno during his visit at Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday.
Based on the Comelec guidelines for campaigning for the 2022 elections, candidates are not allowed to make physical contact with people regardless of the area’s alert level. Prohibited acts include handshakes, hugs, kisses, arm-to-arm contact, and taking selfies.
The Department of Interior and Local Government also reminded candidates on Tuesday to avoid physical contact with the people during their campaign trail.
“Ang gusto ko lamang, makausap kayo, makalapit ako sa tao, kahit na medyo ipinagbabawal yung mga selfie selfie. Ang katwiran ko, selfie na nga lang, ipinagdadamot pa natin sa tao?“
[Translation: I only want is to talk to you and get close with the people, despite taking selfies are prohibited. My reason is, we are just taking selfies, why are we going to ban this to the people?]
During the first two days of the campaign period for national post candidates, Moreno was seen taking selfies and having physical contact with the people waiting for him in his campaign events.
The Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer emphasized he cannot blame the people if they wanted to take a selfie with him.
“The only challenge is kaya ba natin pigilan yung damdamin ng tao. Eh diba kaligayahan ng tao yun na makasama nila, makapagpicture sila, sa paborito nilang tao? Hindi naman ibig sabihin nakapagpicture na sayo, boto na yun agad I don’t think so,” said Moreno.
[Translation: The only challenge is if we can stop the feelings of the people. It’s happiness for the people when they see and take a picture with their favorite person. Taking a picture together will not necessarily translate to a vote for a candidate, I don’t think so.]
Comelec has yet to issue a statement on Moreno’s appeal.
Moreno is running with Dr. Willie Ong as his vice presidential candidate along with three senatorial bets Carl Balita, Samira Gutoc, and Jopet Sison.
CNN Philippines correspondent Paolo Barcelon contributed to this report.
