The election period for the 2007 polls will start January 14 and will end June 13, 2007, Oriental Negros election supervisor Eddie Aba said, citing Commission on Elections Resolution No. 7707.

Aba said among the prohibitions for the period are the suspension of elective local officials, transfer of officers and employees in the civil service, organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces and other similar forces, use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, whether or not such bodyguards are regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, or other law enforcement agency.

Also disallowed is the alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct as provided under Section 3 of Republic Act 8189, or the continuing registration law; and the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance even if licensed to possess, or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission (Sec. 261) as amended in Sec. 32 of R. A. 7166.

The filing of certificates of candidacy for senators is set Jan. 15 to February 2007, and for local elective positions, and .the period to file manifestation of intent to participate in the party list system, is from Jan. 15 until March 29, 2007.

The campaign period for senators and political parties, organizations, or coalitions participating under the party list system of election is from Feb. 13, 2007 to May 12, 2007, the COMELEC said.

Aba said the giving of donations or gifts in cash or in kind, appointment or use of special policemen, special/confidential agents or the like are also prohibited from Feb. 13 to May 4, 2007.

Jails are warned against the release of prisoners from March 15 to June 13, 2007.

Aba also enjoined incumbent local officials to strictly enforce prohibitions in the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege.

Also against election law March 30 to May 14, 2007 are the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for future undertakings chargeable against public funds.*JG

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