Election period starts, gun ban takes effect

CEBU, Philippines — Yesterday marked the start of the election period, which puts in place certain prohibitions for those running in the May 2019 polls.

The election period runs from January 13 (Sunday) to June 12 (Wednesday).

One of the significant prohibitions promulgated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) en banc on October 1, 2018 is the ban of firearms during the election period.

National and local candidates running for the May 13 elections are prohibited from “bearing, carrying, or transporting” firearms or other deadly weapons unless they are authorized by the commission on certain conditions.

This policy is supported by Resolution No. 10429 issued on October 2018 that prescribes the calendar of activities leading to the upcoming elections, and stipulates the prohibited acts on certain periods.

The first night of the implementation of the Comelec gun ban went smoothly in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu.

In Mandaue City, the city’s police force distributed flyers listing the do's and don'ts during the election gun ban were distributed at public places such as malls. Policemen have also gone around barangays to inform residents of the ban.

A security checkpoint is stationed along Barangay Pajac in Lapu-Lapu City.

Aside from the gun ban, candidates are also disallowed from hiring or commissioning security personnel or bodyguards. Candidates can only hire one if they are authorized by the commission.

It is also illegal for candidates to organize or maintain reaction forces, strike forces or other similar groups against their opponents.

During the election period, elective local officials will be spared from any suspension, thus, no implementation of such will take effect.

Campaign

Meanwhile, campaigning of national and local candidates happens within the election period.

Senatorial bets and party-list groups can start campaigning on February 12 (Tuesday) until May 11 (Saturday) except for March 28 and 29, which happens to be Holy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively.

From February 12 to Election Day on the 13th, these national candidates are disallowed from giving in kind or cash donations, and appointing or using special policemen or confidential agents.

Moreover, campaign period for congressmen and local candidates follow on March 29 (Friday) until May 11 (Saturday). This excludes the first day or on the 29th which falls on the Good Friday.

During this period, the candidates are barred from appointing or hiring new employees; creating or filling up new positions; promoting employees; and giving salary increases, remuneration or privilege.

The incumbent officials running again for the elections are also forbidden to release, disburse, or expend public funds.

Some local candidates are ready to hit the road.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said their campaign will start with a prayer. Cebu City councilor Jocelyn Pesquera who supports Osmeña’s opponent, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, said their main strategy is "reaching out to our voters and appeal for them to support my candidacy and in my quest to serve them." – With Odessa O. Leyson and Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (FREEMAN)