TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) – As the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas prepares for the 2025 National and Local Elections, a Comelec official has reiterated to the public the prohibited acts being enforced during election period.
During the 23rd episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, November 5, at the Comelec Regional Office 8, lawyer Ma. Krishna Athena G. Elardo, regional election attorney, cited the dates when the prohibition takes effect.
“Of course, the election period we should all be aware January 12 to June 11, [2025]. During this period, we have prohibited acts so we should be careful not to commit offenses,” Elardo said.
She specifically reminded the public to abide by the gun ban as the Comelec is mandated to strictly implement the firearms ban during the period.
Qualified gun owners are also reminded to apply for exemption from the Comelec in order to avoid violations of the Comelec rules and laws.
Elardo was referring to all gun owners to include public officials, law enforcers, government and security personnel, and other individuals who, by the nature of their work or occupation, can apply for authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons from the poll body.
Under BP 881 and Republic Act 7166, it is unlawful for any person to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places during the election period, even if otherwise licensed to do so, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.
Other prohibited acts during election period include the detail of security personnel or bodyguards by candidate, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec; alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; transfer or detail of officers or employees in the civil service; organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or similar forces, except authorized by the Commission; and suspension of elective, provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer without prior approval of the Commission.
To date, Comelec has recorded a total of 3,270,849 registered voters from 4,365 barangays in Eastern Visayas. (CBA, PIA Eastern Visayas)
