As the Philippines prepares for the May 12 midterm elections, the country has officially entered the election period marked by stricter security measures aimed at preventing election-related violence.
The Philippines began the election period on Sunday in preparation for the May 12 midterm elections. Stricter security measures, including a gun ban and checkpoints, will be implemented to prevent election-related violence. At checkpoints, only visual inspections are permitted. Police are prohibited from opening a vehicle's trunk or glove compartment, or dismounting or frisking passengers.
The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates is from February 11 to May 10, excluding April 17 and 18 for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The campaign period for House of Representatives, parliamentary, provincial, city, and municipal candidates is from March 28 to May 10. Although the official campaign period doesn't begin until February 11, campaign materials featuring candidates are already visible across the country. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia explained that the commission cannot take action against these materials yet as the individuals are considered aspirants rather than official candidates. The Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that candidates are liable for election offenses only upon the start of the campaign period. Election Day is May 12, but overseas voters can cast their ballots from April 13 to May 12, and local absentee voters can vote from April 28 to 30. Campaigning is prohibited on May 11, and a liquor ban will be enforced until election day. Other prohibited acts during the election period include the use of security personnel by candidates without written authorization from the Commission, alteration of precinct boundaries, transfer of civil service officers and employees without prior approval, organization of reaction forces, and suspension of elective officials without Commission approval. The election period concludes on June 11
PHILIPPINES ELECTIONS SECURITY CAMPAIGN RESTRICTIONS
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