By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo City announced that individuals eligible under the law may start applying for exemptions to the bans on firearms and security personnel for the 2025 elections.
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of the Iloilo City election office, said on November 8 that the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) was recently launched to uphold election laws, particularly those related to firearms and security prohibitions.
Sayno mentioned that regional offices of Comelec, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Coast Guard had convened ahead of the launch to address election security issues.
He noted that Comelec is particularly vigilant about potential violations related to the possession of firearms and the employment of security personnel during the election period.
Both Section 261(q) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus Election Code, and Section 32 of Republic Act No. 7166, bar individuals from carrying firearms outside their residence or workplace during the election period, even with a permit to carry.
Section 33 of Republic Act No. 7166 further restricts candidates from hiring security personnel during this period unless there are credible threats to their life, provided they apply for an exemption with Comelec.
“One of the things they took up was implementing the gun ban, when the election period comes,” Sayno said. He outlined that the ban will be effective from January 12 to June 11, 2025, prohibiting the carrying of deadly weapons and the hiring of security personnel.
Applications for exemptions can be submitted online through the Comelec website starting November 18, according to Sayno.
He stressed that approval is not automatic; all applications are subject to the discretion of the Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Services. This committee is led by a Comelec commissioner and includes high-ranking officers from the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Comelec Resolution No. 11067, promulgated on September 25, categorizes the Certificates of Authority for exemptions based on the type of applicant.
These categories range from law enforcement agencies and diplomatic missions to security agencies, high-risk individuals, and shooting sports participants.
Sayno also reminded the public that candidates may engage voters and put up campaign materials without restriction until the official campaign period begins.
The Supreme Court ruling in the 2009 Penera vs. Comelec case prohibits the commission from penalizing premature campaigning. Campaign regulations apply only at the start of the official campaign period as outlined by law.
Comelec Resolution No. 10999, issued on May 24, 2024, sets February 11, 2025, as the start of the campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates, and March 28, 2025, for district representatives and local candidates.
Registered voters or candidates can file verified complaints with local election offices against any candidate alleged to have breached election laws.
