PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Palawan has reiterated the need for equal implementation of checkpoint rules for all vehicles in the province in preparation for the start of the election period on January 12.
During the first Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) meeting, Palawan provincial election supervisor Percival Mendoza said that personnel installed in checkpoints must observe the plain view doctrine.
“What you do on four wheels, you should do on two wheels kasi nadi-discriminate ang mga motor. Bakit daw ang motor laging binubuksan ang u-box, ang four wheels, hanggang pababa lang ng bintana?,” he said.
The checkpoint must be well-lighted, properly identified, and manned by uniformed personnel. A signboard must indicate the COMELEC checkpoint.
The team manning the checkpoint must require the motorists to slow down and request to dim the vehicle headlights and turn on cabin lights. COMELEC reminded drivers or occupants cannot be compelled to leave the vehicle during a checkpoint inquiry.
The public is also not obliged to open the glove compartment, trunk, or bags of the motorists. The personnel manning the checkpoint cannot compel the motorists to open the trunk or glove compartment of the vehicle or any package contained therein.
Exemptions only apply if there are search warrants, subjects for hot pursuit, or traffic violations.
COMELEC reminded the officers manning the checkpoints to adhere to the Commission’s checkpoint rules to avoid being held liable for administrative charges.
Mendoza added that when the driver evaded or ignored the checkpoints, hot pursuits would be followed.
According to the commission’s procedure, in case of necessity, the team must immediately coordinate with adjacent teams or stations to establish roadblocks following existing standard operating procedures (SOP) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Palawan Elections Supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza orients law enforcement agencies on the procedures to be conducted in COMELEC checkpoints starting January 12. (Photo by Rachel Ganancial)
A few days before the start of the election period and a gun ban on January 12, Mendoza advised the Palawan Police Provincial Office to secure authority to issue tickets for traffic violators with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
“For you (PNP) to have an authority to apprehend the violator, kumuha kayo ng authority to issue a ticket sa LTO—please on or before 12, otherwise wala tayong authority to apprehend, sita lang,” he said.
COMELEC presented the categories of certificates of authority needed to be secured by individuals who need to possess firearms during the span of the gun ban.
COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 enforces section 261 (q) of the Omnibus Election Code and sections 32 and 33 of RA 7166. It prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards during the election period unless authorized in writing by the commission.
The election period runs from January 12 to June 11 per COMELEC Resolution No. 10999.
Per record, Palawan has 468 voting centers located in 23 towns, wherein 389 are situated on the mainland, while 79 centers are on the islands.
In the upcoming 2025 midterm polls, there are 63 aspiring candidates for mayoral posts, 54 for vice mayoral positions, and 509 aspiring councilors.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also commit to supporting the enforcement of their joint checkpoint operations. Despite expecting “general peaceful elections,” the police continue their intelligence monitoring to prevent extortion and other criminal activity.
The PNP is also encouraged by the Commission to conduct a seminar for policemen “in the point of view of the electoral board” in case the need for their services arises.
It will also give confidence to law enforcement personnel and ensure protection of votes during election day, Mendoza said.
“If the need arises that we need their services as members of the electoral board ay kaya na rin nila gampanan in case may imminent threat. Iba na ang prepared,” he said. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
