Voters are no longer required to use face shields during campaign activities and on election day in areas under Alert Level 1 to 3, according to the New Normal Manual of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The poll body on Monday also reminded the public to strictly follow the standard protocols before, during, and after they have participated in the polls on May 9.

“Always wear face masks and face shields and observe other minimum public health standards while inside the voting center. Undergo non-contact temperature check upon entering the premises,” it said.

“For areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1, the use of face shields shall be voluntary, per Memorandum of the Executive Secretary dated 15 November 2021, on Protocols on the Use of Face Shields,” it added.

For voters with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius, they must be brought to the medical personnel deployed at the polling place. If evaluated to be with fever, voters may proceed to the Isolated Polling Places (IPP) to vote.

They are also asked to observe physical distancing of at least one meter.

They will then proceed to the Voters’ Assistance Desk to get precinct and sequence number; proceed to polling place; sanitize hands at the sanitation station before entering the polling place; give their precinct number and sequence number and cast their votes.

Meanwhile, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) joined the plea of different stakeholders for the appointment of competent and honest men and women in the three vacant positions — Chairperson and two Commissioners — at the COMELEC.

In a statement, the election watchdog group said the call to name new top officials of the poll body is not only in a timely manner but also in a way that is open and transparent.

“The 2022 National and Local Elections are less than three months away, and will be conducted under extreme safety and health challenges; an open process will help reinforce public trust to the Comelec as an institution; a transparent appointment process, with focus on qualifications and suitability for the job, will help dispel concerns that the Comelec as a constitutional body will be composed of individuals that only come from the President’s hometown, or who are inside the President’s inner circle,” the group added.

Namfrel said as the steward of the Philippine election process, “the Comelec should be strengthened, and should invite the trust and respect of the Filipino people.”

It said by ensuring that the appointment process will be open and transparent, the President will leave a lasting legacy of a strong, independent, and credible Comelec.

The Comelec is currently composed of acting chairperson Socorro Inting, Commissioners Marlon Casquejo, Aimee Ferolino and Rey Bulay. (PNA)