Kalibo, Aklan -- Local voters have until October 31 only to file applications for registration, transfer of registration records, etc.,November 20, 2009 to November 30, 2009 is the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy for all elective positions, and the filing of manifestation of intent to participate in the party-list system of representation.
These activities with corresponding dates are just some of the items contained in the Calendar of Activities and Periods of Prohibited Acts in connection with the May 10, 2010 national elections, recently released by the Provincial Office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here.
The Calendar of Activities was released through Resolution No. 8946 promulgated July 14, 2009.
Most of the dates specified last day of activities, such as Aug. 17, 2009, which is the last day for filing petitions for registration of political parties; Aug. 31 – last day for overseas absentee voters to file application for registration/certifications as overseas absentee voter and application to vote in absentia; or January 8, 2009 – last day to appoint members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), subject to changes on account of shortage of teachers and disqualifications due to relationships to candidates.
Election period starts on June 10, 2010, Sunday, to June 9, Wednesday, as specified by the resolution.
Within this period, acts of bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, buildings, streets, parks, private vehicles, even if licensed to possess the same, are prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
Suspension of elective local officials as well as transfer of officers and employees in the civil service is also prohibited during the election period.
Also prohibited are the organization of maintenance of reaction forces or other similar forces, and the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, whether or not such bodyguards are regular members of the AFP or other law enforcement agency.
Campaign period for candidates for President, Vice President, and Senators will start Feb. 9, 2010 to May 8, 2010. This is also the designated period for party-list groups participating in the party-list system of representation to campaign.
Campaign period for candidates for Memmer, House of Representatives and elective provincial, city and municipal officials, on the other hand, will start from March 26, 2010 to May 8, 2010.
During the period March 26 to May 10, 2010, prohibited acts include appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege.
Other prohibited acts during this period include the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds.
On May 9, 2010, campaigning is prohibited, including selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor and giving, accepting free transportation, food, drinks and things of value. The same activities are prohibited on May 10, election day.
Soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate of any political party within the polling place or within thirty meters thereof is prohibited; so is voting more than once or in substitution of another; holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing or any other similar sports.
On May 10 too, the Municipal/City/District and Provincial Boards of Canvassers will convene. June 9, 2010 is the last day to file sworn statements of election contributions and espenditures.
The resolution was promulgated by Jose A. Ar. Melo, COMELEC Chairman; and Rene V. Sarmiento, Nicodemo T. Ferrer, Lucenito M. Tagle, and Armando C. Velasco, Commissioners. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)