INDIVIDUALS and organizations looking to secure exemptions for the election gun ban may start applying for it on December 1.
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), interested and qualified individuals and agencies may begin filing their applications for a Certificate of Authority (CA) on December 1 at the office of the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP).
“Application forms and requirements for the issuance of a CA must be submitted to the CBFSP Office at the Comelec Main Office from December 1, 2018 to May 29, 2019,” said Comelec Resolution No. 10446.
To note, the law provides that it is prohibited to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons during the Election Period.
This means that unless properly covered by a CA, any permit to carry firearm/s outside one’s residence or place of business will be ineffective and without force and effect during the Election Period.
During the Election Period, it is also prohibited to employ, avail, or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards, as well as to transport and deliver firearms and/or its parts, ammunition and/or its components, and explosives and/or its components unless duly authorized by the Comelec-CBFSP.
Violation of the said prohibited acts shall constitute an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of right to vote, and disqualification from holding public office.
The Election Period for the May 2019 midterm polls runs from January 13, 2019 up to June 12, 2019. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)