Checkpoints, gun ban as election period begins

The Philippines on Sunday entered the election period ahead of the May 12 midterm polls.

To prevent election-related violence, stricter security measures will be enforced, including a gun ban and the establishment of checkpoints.

At checkpoints, only visual inspections are allowed. Police are prohibited from opening a vehicle’s trunk or glove compartment, as well as dismounting or frisking passengers.

According to the Commission on Elections, the campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups will be from February 11 to March 10. The days set for campaigning exclude April 17 and 18, as the country observes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for the House of Representatives and parliamentary, provincial, city, and municipal elections will be from March 28 to May 10.

The election day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30.

Candidates are prohibited from campaigning on May 11, and the liquor ban will be enforced until election day.

The other prohibited acts during the election period are the following:

• Use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
• Alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct.
• Transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, except upon prior approval of the Commission.
• Organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces.
• Suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officers without prior approval of the Commission.

The election period will end on June 11. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News