CEBU, Philippines — Aspirants for elective positions in the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls are expected to troop to the Commission on Elections offices beginning today with the start of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) which will run until April 20.
The candidates are reminded anew to refrain from engaging in partisan political activities or promoting any candidate or political party.
Also covered by the election ban on partisan political activities are government employees, including public school teachers, soldiers and police personnel.
Erring candidates and government workers may be imprisoned with a maximum of six years.
Also, a gun ban takes effect today which is the start of the election period in consonance with the Comelec Resolution No. 10197, which prohibits the possession of firearms.
“During the election period, no person shall bear carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the commissions,” read the resolution.
Exempted from the gun ban are the personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government law enforcement agencies. However, they are required to secure special permits from the Comelec.
The ban will end on May 21, or two weeks after the elections.
Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) will set up checkpoints in each town and city in the region.
To avoid conflicts, Cebu City Police Office Director Joel Doria asked the public to cooperate and to adhere to election rules.
Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery, PRO-7 director, said poll hotspots are still being evaluated. The list of election watchlist areas is expected to be released after April 20.
Meanwhile, an environmental group has urged candidates for the barangay and SK elections to use recyclable and environment-friendly materials and avoid those that contain hazardous chemicals.
EcoWaste Coalition, in a statement, has called on political aspirants not to forget about environment.
Daniel Alejandre, a zero waste campaigner, said the May 14 polls offer a unique opportunity for the would-be barangay and youth leaders to show their commitment to preserve and protect the environment.
"As actions speak louder than words, we urge candidates to campaign in a manner that will not misuse resources, dirty the surroundings and cause damage to community health and environment,” Alejandre said.
He said candidates should refrain from littering, nailing or hanging of posters on trees, and posting of campaign materials outside designated areas, among others.
Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito Guia echoed the group’s plea, urging all candidates to be environment-friendly by reducing their campaign trash. —/KBQ (FREEMAN)