The City Government of Davao has banned caravans and motorcades related to the 2022 national and local elections starting immediately until May 8, 2022.
The prohibition and guidelines in the conduct of political activities are detailed in Executive Order (EO) No. 10, Series of 2022, known as “An Order Providing Guidelines In Securing The Requisite Permit In The Conduct Of Election Campaign Activities in Davao City Until May 8, 2022, In Connection With the National And Local Elections” signed by Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte on March 7, 2022.
EO 10 cited the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10732, Series of 2021, dated November 24, 2021, which outlined the guidelines on the conduct of in-person campaigns, rallies, caucuses, meetings, conventions, motorcades, caravans, and Miting de Avance under the new normal for the May 9 national and local elections.
EO 10 partially adopted Comelec Resolution No. 10732 except for Section 16, which allows political caravans and motorcades that the City Government of Davao prohibits in the new Order.
The Comelec order provides that “every local government unit (LGU) shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare,” shall take effect immediately.
Under this Comelec order, LGU can use its powers in promoting the economic condition, social welfare, and material progress of the people in the community.
“There is a need to prohibit motorcades and caravans due to the continuing increase of fuel costs, the inconvenience of the traffic jams it will create and the ongoing public want due to the economic losses from the pandemic coupled with the rising prices of basic commodities,” the EO said.
EO No. 10 provides that all political parties and organizers should coordinate with the appropriate regional or district election officer for their activities.
It also states that no permit or application shall be filed with the City Government of Davao except to pay for regulatory fees that may be required by law or ordinance. “The political activity under Resolution 10732 except Section 16 thereof shall be deemed approved immediately after payment of fees,” it added.
Violators of the EO 10 provisions will be punished under existing laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
Check the full provisions of EO 10, Series of 2022, at https://dcstaging.davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2022-2/. CIO
