The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that it will start receiving applications for gun ban exemption in relation to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for October.
According to Comelec Resolution 10918 released on Saturday, individuals seeking a Certificate of Authority to carry firearms must electronically submit their applications to the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) from June 5 until November 15.
"The electronic filing of applications for the issuance of CA shall start on ]une 05,2023 and shall end on November 15, 2023," the resolution read.
"Filing of applications shall be made through electronic means taking advantage of the current information technology advancements, adopting the principle of efficient government service delivery, addressing the geo-logistical challenges in some regions, and for mutual safety under the new normal," it added.
Notably, certain high-ranking officials are automatically exempted from the gun ban. This includes the:
- President
- Vice President
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Senate President
- incumbent senators
- House of Representatives Speaker
- members of the House
- justices from various courts such as the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeals
The exemption list also extends to judges of regional, municipal, and metropolitan trial courts, officials from the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice, and personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation.
Furthermore, Cabinet Secretaries, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Election Officers, Provincial Election Supervisors, and Regional Election Directors are granted an automatic exemption.
These exemptions are specified to ensure the smooth conduct of elections while maintaining security measures.
The gun ban prohibits the carrying, bearing, and transportation of firearms and other deadly weapons during the election period to promote a peaceful and safe voting environment.
Other law enforcement agencies, departments, and divisions involved in law enforcement and security functions, as well as personnel from correctional facilities, intelligence, and investigative divisions, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, are also granted exemption.
Violating the gun ban is considered an election offense and carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from one to six years, without the possibility of probation. Additionally, individuals found guilty of this offense lose their right to vote and face perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
