MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released the schedule of activities leading to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK or youth council) elections on October 31, 2016.

The poll body also listed prohibited acts during the election and campaign periods, and on election day itself.

The election period will be from October 1 to November 7, according to Comelec Resolution 10151.

Meanwhile, candidates can file their certificates of candidacy from October 3 to 5. The campaign period will be from October 21 to 29. 

The Comelec noted that only voters aged 18-24 years old can run for SK posts. (READ: What’s in the new Sangguniang Kabataan?)

18-24 ang CANDIDATES.
15-30 ang VOTERS. #BSKE2016 https://t.co/OWbG1n6EzZ

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) July 15, 2016

On election day, October 31, voters can cast their votes from 7 am to 3 pm. The counting and canvassing of votes will immediately follow.

After the polls, all candidates are required to file their statement of contributions and expenses (SOCE) until November 30.

Registration of voters for the barangay and SK polls started on Friday, July 15, and will last until July 30. Comelec offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm, including weekends and holidays.

The smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, barangays provide frontline government services to Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan serves as a venue for the Filipino youth to participate in local governance and nation-building.

Prohibited acts

Comelec Resolution 10151 also listed prohibited acts during the election period:

• Carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons, also known as the gun ban
• Use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates
• Organizing or maintaining reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces
• Alteration of territory of a precinct, or establishment of a new precinct
• Transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers
• Suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer

There are additional bans during the campaign period:

• Removing, destroying, or preventing distribution of lawful election propaganda
• Making any donation or gift in cash or in kind
• Using armored land, water, or air craft
• Appointing or using special policemen, special/confidential agents or the like

The last 3 items are likewise banned on the eve of the election and on election day. Meanwhile, the construction or maintenance of local government-funded roads and bridges is prohibited from October 21 to 30.

A liquor ban will be enforced from October 30 to 31, along with the prohibition to campaign and to give or accept free food, drinks, and things of value.

On election day itself, these acts are likewise prohibited:

• Voting more than once or in substitution of another
• Soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate within the polling place or within 30 meters
• Opening of booths or stalls for the sale of wares, merchandise or refreshments within 30 meters from the polling place
• Holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races, or similar sports 

Fund-raising through activities like dances, lotteries, and cockfights is prohibited from October 1 to 31.

An appointment ban in government is also in place from September 16 to October 30.

Meanwhile, the unsanctioned release of prisoners is not allowed from September 1 to November 30. – Rappler.com