ISABELA CITY, Philippines — A handful of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan hopefuls flock the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here to file their certificates of candidacy.
As early as 8:00 in the morning, April 14, nine hopefuls processed their Certificates of Candidacy inside Comelec.
This marked the first day in the filing of COC for the barangay and SK elections.
The effectivity of the gun ban also starts today..
Gun owners even issued with license to carry firearms are covered under the law, they should secure, Comelec exemption if they decide to carry their firearms.
Having a “licenses to carry” firearms is no excuse from the ban unless they have exemption permits from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The gun ban guidelines specifies, that gun owners are prohibited to bring their firerarms and pistols outside their homes until May 31.
Only those who have gun ban exemption permits will be allowed to carry, and usually they are the policemen and the soldiers who will help maintain peace and order during the barangay and SK elections.
Anyone found violating the election gun ban will be arrested and charged for defying election rules and illegal possession of firearms.
Candidates who have filed their certificates of candidacy are also prohibited from early campaigning as it could lead to their disqualification.
The nine-day campaign period will start on May 4 until May 12, so for their sake, and if they don’t want to be disqualified, then don’t campaign yet after the filing of the COC..
New candidates can inquire about campaign guidelines from the Comelec’s municipal offices since posting huge tarpaulins and posters is prohibited.
They are not allowed for them to post or use materials that are going to be detrimental to the environment. So, no nailing of campaign propaganda on trees.-Richard G. Falcatan/Newsline.Ph
