Commission on Elections control over the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines begins tomorrow, the start of the election period, that ends on June 12, Jessie Suarez, Elections Provincial Supervisor of Negros Occidental, said yesterday.

The election gun ban also begins tomorrow and the filing of certificates of candidacy starts Monday.

The gun ban covers bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if one has a license, unless authorized in writing by the COMELEC, he said.

During the election period elective local officials cannot be suspended, officers and employees in the civil service cannot be transferred, and the use of security personnel and bodyguards by candidates, whether or not they are members of the PNP or AFP, is also banned, he said.

The COMELEC is set to hold a command conference in Iloilo on January 17 with the provincial commanders of Western Visayas to discuss the peace and order situation, and the police will be asked to report on critical areas, Suarez said.

From March 30 to May 14 the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filing up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege will be banned.

Construction work, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds will also be prohibited during that period, Suarez said.*CPG

back to top