12 Enero,2025 Linggo
election campaign period, gun ban begins
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Gun ban begins, security up as election period starts
By J.Lo
“We will now be inside election period as well as gun ban period…we are, therefore, reminding everyone to especially be careful in carrying deadly weapons outside of their residences,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said nationwide ban takes effect today on carrying of firearms and on transfer, reassignment or suspension of state workers and officials, as country officially enters election period in run-up to May 11 elections.
Under Omnibus Election Code, election period shall commence 90 days before day of election and shall end 30 days after, or on June 11.
During this period, it is prohibited to carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by Comelec.
It is also prohibited for candidates to use security personnel or bodyguards unless authorized also in writing by the Commission.
Comelec likewise said organization, deployment and maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or similar entities are also banned.
Also prohibited is transfer or reassignment of officers and employees in civil service, except upon prior approval of Comelec.
Suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer without prior approval of Comelec is also prohibited starting today.
Comelec stressed violation of prohibited acts is considered election offense, with sanctions ranging from imprisonment of one to six years, to disqualification from public office and removal of right to vote.
As security measures are tightened across the country, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said police officers manning checkpoints beginning today would be equipped with body-worn cameras and other alternative recording devices.
He said measure is necessary to ensure civilians are protected and unscrupulous members of PNP are prevented from committing abuses or other illegal acts.
With body cameras, Marbil said police officers are expected to strictly follow so-called plain view doctrine, allows law enforcement authorities to take any evidence of crime or contraband found in plain sight.
“We will abide by the law on human rights…so there’s nothing to worry about,” he said.
Security checkpoints, are under jurisdiction of Comelec, would also be positioned in well-lit areas, Marbil said.
He also ordered police officers to set up their checkpoints in areas with CCTV cameras.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), meanwhile, said police officers will not hesitate to arrest gun ban violators.
“NCRPO will execute election gun ban with highest level of discipline, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for violations,” Metro Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said in statement.
He reminded public that only law enforcement personnel in complete uniform and on official duty are authorized to carry firearms during election season.
Civilians and private entities seeking exemptions must secure certificate of authority from Comelec, he stressed.
In statement, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan appealed to law enforcers and security forces to avoid palakasan or giving undue favor to some individuals in enforcement of gun ban.
She also called on them to follow the law on search, seizure and warrantless arrests.
The mayor called on Manila Police District to follow standards set by PNP and Commission on Human Rights in establishing police checkpoints for enforcement of gun ban.
The mayor also advised motorists to use cameras on dashboards of their vehicles or on their helmets, they could use as “protection against scalawags.”
In addition, the mayor ordered officials of barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan in the city to ensure all their CCTV cameras are working.
MPD Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas has appealed for understanding from motorists as checkpoints would likely cause traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, an official of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has appealed to Comelec to allow conduct of job fairs during election period.
Cesar Chavez, DMW Taipei Migrant Workers Office director for migrant workers services and labor attaché, hope Comelec would act favorably on their request so that they can expedite hiring of Filipinos for job vacancies in Taiwan.
“Many are requesting for Comelec exemption because we know Jan.12 is already election period,” he said at news forum at Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon City.
Chavez was referring to local government units that want job fairs to be held in their areas.
Chavez said there are about 3,000 job orders in Taiwan need to be filled, mostly related to semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries.
He said nearly 2,000 people were hired in job fairs held in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan and Quezon City.
Instead of traditional way of getting hired through accredited recruitment agencies, Chavez said job fairs are better as there are other government agencies present where applicants can process their requirements.
Chavez said entry level worker in Taiwan can earn about NT$28,590 or P52,000 a month. Monthly salary could go as high as P80,000 for workers who will render overtime hours.
Should Comelec grant exemption, Chavez said poll body will also include restrictions to prevent politicians from taking advantage of job fairs for their personal gain.
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