MALACAÑANG said Sunday the implementation of the nationwide gun ban would ensure peaceful and orderly elections especially now that the campaign period had started.
“The implementation of the gun ban is one of the most effective ways to ensure the security of the citizens and maintain order during elections,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told dzRB radio.
The Commission on Elections started the nationwide gun ban and the countdown for the 151-day election period for this year’s elections on Sunday.
With the start of the gun ban, which will last until June 8, the Philippine National Police announced the establishment of more checkpoints to intercept violators.
Police spokesman Wilben Mayor said the checkpoints would reduce election-related violence. Ҭ
He made his statement even as Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the Comelec to give the teachers serving in the May 2016 elections additional benefits because of the failure of the poll body to increase their honorariums.
With the retention of the P4,500 honorarium for the public school teachers serving as Board of Election Inspectors in the May 2016 elections, he said, they should be entitled to additional non-monetary benefits in the form of insurance coverage and other assistance to protect them and their families.
“Despite their appeals for a raise, the Comelec is retaining their P4,500 honorarium, the same amount they received in the 2013 midterm polls,” Marcos said.
Government officials launched the Secure and Fair 2016 Elections campaign with a peace walk from the Rizal Park to the Comelec offices.
Joining the program were Comelec chairman Andres Bautista, Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento and officials from the Army, the police, government agencies and non-government organizations.
“One of the important aspects for the preparations for peaceful and orderly elections is the implementation of the gun ban, and we have learned about this during the past,” Coloma said.
He said Malacañang expected the police and military PNP personnel deputized by the poll body to strictly enforce the gun ban. with PNA