MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to streamline the application process for gun ban exemptions to benefit individuals receiving threats, members of the judiciary and others.
Commissioner George Garcia yesterday said that the Comelec would revisit the current policy on gun ban exemption and security application guidelines to find ways to make the process easier.
“We will push for the review and recalibration of the gun ban exemption and security application guidelines. We have to make it easier and expeditious thereby removing hindrances and tedious administrative requirements,” said Garcia.
In this “system overhaul,” among those who stand to benefit are members of the judiciary, prosecutorial service, Public Attorney’s Office lawyers, government personnel who are performing sensitive duties, and Comelec field personnel.
This would also cover businessmen, security agencies and individuals with credible threat assessments.
With the improvement of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the commission might adopt decentralization to speed up the process.
In line with the May 9 national and local elections, the Comelec implemented the 150-day gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8.
During this time, the Comelec prohibits the unauthorized bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses and public places, according to its Resolution No. 10728. The applications for gun ban exemprion started on Dec. 1, 2021.