Comelec Imposes Money Ban, Checkpoints Ahead of Elections

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Mariela Angella Oladive

An increased number of checkpoints will be implemented across the region as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) enforces a money ban from Saturday to Monday to curb vote-buying during the midterm elections.

Comelec Region 6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan said the possession, transport or carrying of cash exceeding PHP500,000 is prohibited during the two days before and on election day, May 12.

Ausan emphasized that the measure—being implemented for the first time—is aimed at preventing vote-buying and election-related bribery.

“It’s mandated by the resolution that there will be a heightened establishment of checkpoints,” he told Daily Guardian on Friday, May 9.

“Expect that in the next few days there will be increased checkpoints.”

While most checkpoints will conduct only visual inspections, Ausan said the Comelec and the Philippine National Police have protocols in place to enforce the regulation.

“These rules stem from past incidents where vehicles were intercepted at checkpoints carrying boxes of envelopes containing money, ready for distribution,” he said.

“At that time, there were no clear regulations, so they were simply released.”

Ausan said individuals whose jobs, professions or businesses require them to handle or transport more than PHP500,000 in cash—such as cashiers or disbursing officers—are exempted from the ban.

However, they must carry a certificate of employment along with a company or office ID that includes their name, designation and signature.

Ausan reminded candidates and supporters that vote-buying and vote-selling are election offenses.

“The commission is serious about enforcement,” he said.

“Disqualification cases have been filed, and some candidates have already been disqualified.”

Aside from the money ban, a liquor ban will be enforced on Sunday and Monday.

During this period, it is strictly prohibited for any person or establishment to sell, buy, offer, serve or consume intoxicating liquor.

ILOILO CITY ON ‘BLUE ALERT’

In preparation for the 2025 midterm elections, the Iloilo City Operations Center (OPCEN) has been placed under “Blue Alert” status from May 11 to 13 to ensure public safety, coordination and rapid response to election-related incidents.

The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ICDRRMC) directed all vice chairpersons, cluster leads and unit leads to remain on standby for immediate deployment if necessary.

All members of the ICDRRMC are instructed to closely monitor developments and promptly report incidents to their respective response clusters.

Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) have also been told to activate their Barangay Emergency Operations Centers and raise their alert status to Blue Alert.

They must also implement disaster preparedness measures in their jurisdictions.

The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center will maintain 24/7 monitoring of incidents and track any weather disturbances using official forecasting tools.

Key offices and agencies are required to submit situational reports via email at opcen.iloilocity@gmail.com or through hotlines 0919-066-2333 and 0961-653-5111 (Viber).

Activated response clusters are expected to prepare a deployment plan for election activities and continuously monitor updates from DOST-PAGASA, OPCEN and other surveillance bodies.

As part of its voter safety campaign, the council released the following tips:

• Eat and take necessary medications before going to the polling place.
  ● Bring drinking water and wear loose, light-colored clothing to stay cool.
  ● Use sun protection such as umbrellas, hats, fans or sunscreen.
  ● Bring a personal pen for signing the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL).
  ● Prepare a list of chosen candidates in advance to speed up the process.
  ● Check your voting precinct via the Comelec Precinct Finder.
  ● Present a valid ID if your identity is questioned.
  ● Drop the ballot in the designated box, have your forefinger nail marked with indelible ink and leave the polling center promptly.

Households are also advised to observe safety measures before leaving home:

• Unplug appliances and turn off the main power supply.
  ● Lock all doors and windows and secure valuables.
  ● Be cautious with social media activity.
  ● Charge phones and keep emergency contact numbers accessible.

The public is encouraged to coordinate with the Iloilo City OPCEN for any urgent concerns using the provided contact numbers or by emailing opcen.iloilocity@gmail.com.