MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is dropping its policy on permit requirement in holding campaign activities, specifically in areas under more relaxed COVID-19 alert levels, a commissioner said Wednesday.

In a message to reporters, newly appointed commissioner George Garcia said the Comelec en banc has approved a "recalibrated" set of new normal campaigning rules as the country shifts to a less stricter pandemic restriction amid the decreasing COVID-19 cases.

"No more CCC (Comelec Campaign Committee) permits for level 1 and 2, 100 percent capacity for venues under level 1 and 70 percent under level 2," Garcia said.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10732, in-person political gatherings such as campaigning, rallies, caucuses, meetings, conventions, motorcades, caravans, and miting de avances would only be allowed if permitted by the CCC, a multi-agency "super body" in charge of regulating activities related to Halalan 2022.

• 'Potentially unconstitutional': Election lawyers call out Comelec's permit requirement

Election lawyers have previously called out the Comelec over the said rule, saying requiring "prior approval" for a private citizen-led campaign activity is "potentially unconstitutional."

Garcia said the amended version of Comelec Resolution No. 10732 is being rerouted for commissioners' signature.

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