Comelec orders gradual stoppage of poll preparations

MANILA, Philippines — With the law postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls signed by President Duterte, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday ordered a gradual stoppage of preparations being done by concerned government agencies. 

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body welcomes the signing of the law by the President.

As of Sept. 29, around P840 million have been spent by the Comelec for the elections.

Jimenez said adjustments would be made to the Comelec’s current preparations, taking the new date of elections into consideration and continuing ongoing activities for the 2019 exercise.

“Work goes on for us. In the meantime, we advise all deputized agencies and election partners to immediately begin ramping down their election-related activities and wait for more detailed instructions, directives and guidelines from the commission on how to move forward,” Jimenez said.

Meanwhile, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) secretary-general Eric Alvia reiterated the group’s opposition to the postponement.

“The postponement is not advisable since it should be competitive, fair and with regularity. This is the second time already,” Alvia said, referring to the elections.

He said the dropping of the appointment provision is a victory for voters. 

“With the suspension of elections in Mindanao due to martial law, postponement to May 2018 may be a practical move,” he added.

Gun ban suspended

The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday suspended the implementation of the gun ban and security preparations related to the barangay and SK elections.

PNP Directorate for Operations head Director Camilo Pancratius Cascolan issued the directive after the Comelec ordered all activities related to the Oct. 23 elections stopped.

The PNP said checkpoint operations related to anti-crime operations would continue even with the lifting of the nationwide gun ban.

From Oct. 1 to yesterday, a total of 52 people were caught violating the gun ban.

Among them were two government officers from Ilocos  and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

Two security guards from Ilocos and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and 48 civilians were caught violating the gun ban.

A majority of the violators were from Metro Manila and Central Visayas with 12 and 11, respectively.

People carrying firearms could still be arrested if they don’t have the necessary permit to carry firearms outside of residence, the PNP said.

Postponement welcomed

Lawmakers allied with the administration welcomed the signing into law of a measure postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to May next year. 

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas apprised House reporters of Republic Act 10952, which Duterte signed on Sunday.

House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu commended the President for his swift action. 

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said the postponement was in line with the administration’s war against drugs. – With Delon Porcalla, Emmanuel Tupas, Paolo Romero, Alexis Romero, Ramon Efren Lazaro