COVID-19 positive patients will not be allowed to go out to cast their vote on Election Day this May 9.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Garcia told CNN Philippines that those undergoing isolation will have to comply with the protocol.
“Kapag confirmed, under Republic Act No. 11332 and at the same time IATF guidelines and resolutions, then dapat mag-isolate po kasi yung COVID-positive patients. Therefore, under our strictest protocol, hindi sila makakalabas ng isolation facility o yung mga bahay-bahay nila kung saan sila naka-isolate,” Garcia explained.
“Definitely, the LGU, more specifically the barangays, will not allow them to get out and vote. In that case, we will have to respect the IATF guidelines and resolution, as well as the DOH’s instruction in this matter, because these are COVID-19 positive patients.”
Meanwhile, those who are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, and colds but have not tested positive for the virus will still be allowed to vote at isolation polling places (IPPs).
“What can we do? We cannot drive them away at papauwiin na lang sila. We will allow them to vote,” he said.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez earlier said they rejected alternative ways of allowing COVID patients to cast their votes such as online or via SMS.
“As to the possibility of alternative means of voting, unfortunately, these are not authorized by law and will not be employed on 9 May 2022.”
Comelec has adjusted its voting hours to 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, vaccination cards and negative test results are not required to be presented to be able to cast your vote.