Application for gun ban exemption starts

MANILA, Philippines — Those seeking to apply for exemption to the poll gun ban are reminded to complete their requirements before submitting their applications to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia assured applicants that they could obtain the exemption in just a week, if they submit the complete requirements.

“In some cases, the approval of the application for exemption is delayed because the documents are incomplete. If it is complete, we could promise applicants that their applications will be approved in one week,” Garcia said.

The application for gun ban exemption begins today.

Garcia said those who apply for exemption could also use the online payment system.

Starting Jan. 12, 2025, Comelec will enforce a gun ban in connection with the midterm elections in May.

Tomorrow, Garcia said the Comelec would hold the first convention for election officers, provincial election supervisors and regional election directors. The convention aims to teach poll officials on the use of new automated counting machines and other matters concerning an automated election.

Protection for poll workers pushed

Meanwhile, poll workers need to be compensated with P15,000 and given enough protection during the 2025 midterm elections due to the enduring climate of political violence during polls, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said over the weekend.

As both chambers of Congress continue to deliberate on the 2025 proposed national budget, ACT said the government needs to push for higher poll service honoraria, allowances and enhanced protection for poll workers – most of whom are public school teachers. — Neil Jayson Servallos