(File photo) MANILA - Malacanang is leaving it up to the discretion of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to revise the guidelines for the campaign activities of those joining the May 9, 2022 national and local elections. This, after several quarters have raised concern over the possible surge in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections by May. In a press statement, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Palace respects the Comelec's constitutional mandate in enforcing and administering all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections. Andanar also acknowledged that the Comelec has already issued Resolution 10732 which contains the "allowable or prohibited" election campaign activities. "Any revision of this resolution, in view of the possible Covid-19 surge, shall be supported by the Executive," he said. On April 19, the Department of Health raised the possibility that there might be anoth
MANILA - Malacanang on Wednesday expressed optimism that the supposed conflict among top officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not affect the integrity of the May 9, 2022 national and local elections. This, after Comelec Commissioner Socorro Inting on Tuesday resigned as head of the poll body's gun ban committee. Inting's resignation was an act of "protest" to an amendment that gives Comelec chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan the power to grant gun ban exemptions and place election areas of concern under the poll body's control. "We respect the independence of the Commission on Elections as a constitutional body," acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement. Andanar hoped the issues surrounding Comelec would be addressed "amicably and professionally." "We further believe that any internal disagreement among its commissioners will be resolved amicably and professiona