Election period for 2015 SK polls begins January 22

Michael Bueza

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The gun ban and other election-related bans will be enforced in connection with the February 21 Sangguniang Kabataan polls

MANILA, Philippines – The election period for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK or youth council) elections will begin on Thursday, January 22, and will last until March 2.

The SK elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 21. At least 2.5 million Filipinos aged 15 to 17 years old are expected to participate.

Election-related bans, including the gun ban, will be implemented throughout the election period. (READ: Calendar of activities for February 2015 SK polls)

Through Comelec Resolution 9905, the following acts are prohibited for the entire SK election period:

  • carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons (gun ban)
  • alteration of territory of an SK precinct or establishment of a new SK precinct
  • illegal release of prisoners
  • use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates
  • organizing or maintaining a strike force or similar kinds of forces
  • transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers

Meanwhile, these acts are banned from January 22 until election day on February 21:

  • issuance of appointments, promotions, creation of new positions, giving of salary increases in government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities
  • raising of funds through lotteries, dances, cockfights, etc

Additional bans will be implemented during the campaign period from February 11 to 19, on the eve of the elections, and on election day.

For instance, the public works ban is enforced during the campaign period, while the liquor ban is in effect only on election eve and election day.

In addition, as a result of the SK polls, the ongoing voter’s registration and registration for the May 2016 national elections will be temporarily suspended from February 1 to 28.

Gun ban

In a statement on Tuesday, January 20, the Comelec reminded law enforcers and security personnel nationwide to renew their Certificates of Authority and gun ban exemptions.

Existing certificates and exemptions in connection with the midterm elections in May 2013 and the barangay elections in October 2013 shall not be recognized anymore during this year’s SK polls, explained Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

All existing authority granting security personnel or bodyguards are likewise revoked, except the regular security complement of the President, the Vice President, senators, congressmen, governors, all local elective officials (except barangay officials), justices, judges, Cabinet secretaries, the Comelec chairman and commissioners, and select military and police officials.

Plus, all security detail deployed from members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies shall be recalled on January 22.

Jimenez added that the Comelec has created a Committee on the Ban of Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) to accept applications and issue Certificates of Authority and gun ban exemptions.

Postponement?

The SK polls were originally set for October 28, 2013, but the government postponed it to February 2015, giving Congress time to legislate reforms in the youth representation system.

The Comelec has previously indicated that it will push for another postponement to October 2016. Meanwhile, the two houses of Congress have different approaches when it comes to the SK.

Nevertheless, the Comelec said that it is prepared for the February 2015 polls.

“As far as the Comelec is concerned, when January 22 comes, there’s no looking back for us,” Jimenez told Rappler.

“In fact, we’re ready for the start of the election period. More or less, we have since accepted that as long as there is no order or law postponing the SK polls, we would proceed. At this point, tuloy na tuloy (it would take place),” he added.

In December 2014, the House of Representatives passed a bill postponing the SK polls anew to October 2016, opting to continue consolidating SK reform bills filed in the Lower House.

On the other hand, awaiting passage in the Senate is SB 2401 or the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014. (READ: 3 senators push immediate passage of SK reform bill Rappler.com

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Michael Bueza

Michael is a data curator under Rappler's Tech Team. He works on data about elections, governance, and the budget. He also follows the Philippine pro wrestling scene and the WWE. Michael is also part of the Laffler Talk podcast trio.