Comelec sets calendar of prohibitions re May 10 elections

ALTERATION of a precinct or establishment of a new one in connection with the May 10, 2010 national and local elections is now prohibited per Resolution No. 8646, promulgated by the Commission on Elections.

This was clarified by Atty. Renato A. Magbutay, Regional Elections Director of region 10, who said the prohibition takes effect from January 10 up to June 9, 2010, the designated election period relative to the conduct of the elections in May, this year.

Magbutay said the resolution has also set the following prohibitions within the prescribed periods: Jan. 10-June 9, 2010 - Bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.

Suspension of elective local officials, transfer of officers and employees in the civil service and organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces; and use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, whether or not such bodyguards are regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or other law enforcement agencies.

Feb. 9 - May 10, 2010: Giving donations or gifts in cash or in kind, use of armored land craft, watercraft or aircraft and appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents or the like and March 11- March 25, 2010 : Illegal release of prisoners.

March 26 - May 10, 2010: Appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotions or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege; and construction of public works, issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds and release, disbursement of expenditure of public funds.

Meanwhile, campaigning is prohibited on April 1 (Holy Thursday), April 2 (Good Friday) and May 9 (Eve of Election Day) while selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking of intoxicating liquor and giving, accepting free transportation, food, drinks and things of value are also prohibited from May 9 to May 10, 2010.
In the same manner, soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling place or within 30 meters, hereof, and voting more than once or in substitution of another and holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races or any other similar sports, are prohibited on May 10 (Election Day).

Another prohibition on Election Day is the opening of booths or stalls for the sale, merchandise or refreshments within a radius of 30 meters from the polling place, Magbutay added. (Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Philippine Information Agency, Region 10)