Election period, gun ban start

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

As the country awaits the signing of the law postponing the barangay and youth elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)  told the public that the election period will begin on Oct. 1.

The poll body cautioned the public of poll-related prohibitions to be enforced during the election period from Oct. 1 to 30, particularly the election gun ban.

The Comelec issued the reminder as it awaits President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the law postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to May 2018.

In a statement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stressed that violating the election gun ban, as well as the other prohibitions, will be considered an election offense.

Jimenez said violations of the election prohibitions will come with one to six years imprisonment, disqualification from public office and deprivation of the right to suffrage.

At least one Comelec checkpoint will be established in each city or municipality beginning 12:01 am of Oct. 1 to effectively implement the election gun ban.

However, additional police or military checkpoints will be established in coordination with the election officer having jurisdiction over the city or municipality.

The filing of the certificates of candidacy will be from Oct. 5 to 11, while the campaign period will run from Oct. 12 to 22.