The Commission on Elections (Comelec) started enforcing on Sunday the nationwide gun ban to officially start the election period even as the public anticipates the possible postponement of the October 28 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eliseo Labaria told the Chronicle that pending its official postponement, preparations for the holding of the barangay and SK elections continue.
Labaria bared that Comelec offices here in Bohol will be accepting certificates of candidacy (CoC) for those who will be seeking elective barangay and SK posts starting this Tuesday, October 5 up to October 11.
The campaign period is slated to begin on October 12 until October 21, according to Labaria.
Meanwhile, starting 12 midnight last night, the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) began enforcing the total gun ban as mandated by the Comelec.
Labaria said, aside from the gun ban, the Comelec will also enforce all election-related prohibitions beginning today.
While a bill has been adopted by both houses of Congress to postpone the elections to May 2018, the measure has yet to be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Word has been circulating that Pres. Duterte will supposedly sign the measure on Tuesday, but even so, preparations for the elections will have to continue until the law takes effect, which according to Labaria, will happen after its publication.
Labaria bared that as of yesterday, nobody has secured the COC form from their offices.
With the beginning of the election period, Labaria reminds the public to be aware of the restrictions under election laws.