Poll hotspots monitored as CoC listup deadline nears
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its monitoring of potential election hotspots as the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy (CoCs) approached.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Sunday he had directed all police units to step up vigilance, particularly against armed groups who may be plotting to disrupt the 2025 elections.
Aspiring candidates have only until Tuesday to submit their CoCs to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
«With the political climate heating up, our role is critical in ensuring a secure and fair environment for all candidates and the public. I am directing all police units to intensify security operations, especially in traditional election hotspots where tensions often escalate,» Marbil said in a statement.
PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said under close watch will be «regions that have seen heightened activity from armed groups and criminal elements.»
«We will not allow any threats to undermine the democratic process. Our primary objective is to prevent any form of violence or intimidation,» Fajardo said.
Marbil also reminded police personnel to maintain strict neutrality and refrain from engaging in political activities. «The PNP remains a nonpartisan institution. Any officer found engaging in political interference or supporting candidates will face severe sanctions,» he said.
AdvertisementClose to 18,000 bets for various government positions have filed CoCs since Monday last week. Among the more prominent personalities who filed CoCs on Sunday was Jimmy Bondoc, a lawyer, musician, and former official of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).
Bondoc will run for senator under the PDP-Laban party.
He expressed his commitment to spearhead efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, which he believes is essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing the country's governance.
«Charter change is not just a political buzzword; it is a necessary step toward modernizing our laws and systems to better serve our people,» he told The Manila Times.
AdvertisementBondoc is also proposing the creation of an independent anti-corruption agency that would operate free from political influence,
