Comelec reminds public of 2016 polls activities, prohibitions

TACLOBAN CITY, March 1 (PNA) -– With Election Day just two months away, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded candidates and voters on the activities and prohibitions in connection to the May 9 polls.

Comelec Assistant Regional Director Felicisimo Embalsado said that since the campaign period for candidates for national positions and partylist, giving of donations or gift in cash or kind is prohibited as well as appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents and the like.

On March 7 is the last day to file application to avail of local absentee voting and on March 10 is the last day for the committee on Local Absentee Voting to receive application forms for local absentee voting.

The issuance or sending of notices of inspection and verification of completeness of the precinct book of voters will run from March 11 to March 24.

“On March 24 and 25 campaigning is prohibited since it is Holy Week. The campaign period for local candidates will start on March 26,” Embalsado said.

Prohibited starting March 25 are the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions; promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege, as well as the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds until May 8.

On April 15, the Comelec will finalize the list of the qualified local absentee voters after verification. Local absentee voters will cast their votes on April 27 to 29.

Embalsado reminded the public that on May 8, campaigning is prohibited as well as selling, furnishing, offering, buying. Serving or taking intoxicating liquor. Other banned activities are giving, accepting, free transportation, food or things of value.

“During Election Day, campaigning is prohibited as well as selling, furnishing, offering, buying or serving or taking intoxicating liquor. Giving, accepting, free transportation, food or drinks or things of value are not allowed,” Embalsado added.

“Voting more than once or in substitution of another, soliciting votes or undertaking propaganda for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling place or within 30 meters thereof are also prohibited.”

Another prohibitions on Election Day are the opening of booths or stalls for the sale of merchandise or refreshment within the radius of 30 meters from the polling places.

Embalsado said that their office is doing all the necessary preparations for the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR