Manila, Philippines- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is poised to reimpose a total gun ban in an effort to minimize poll-related violence in the runup to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 25.

“Our understanding of the situation is, it will be like the last time which is total gun ban. There is a need to impose as local races are hotly contested,” Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said Thursday.

With a total gun ban, only policemen, military men, and security personnel on duty and in proper uniform would be allowed to carry firearms.

The poll body, however, is yet to issue a resolution to formalize the imposition of a total gun ban, to take effect before the Oct. 25 polls. It is not also clear if the Comelec will create a gun ban exemption committee that will hear all applications for exemption.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said although there is no en banc resolution on the matter, the imposition of a total gun ban could push through.

“The standing proposal is the total gun ban unless, of course, otherwise, revised by the Comelec en banc,” he explained.

The election period for the Barangay and SK polls is schedule to start on Sept. 25 and it will end on Nov. 10. Among the prohibited acts during the election period is the carrying of firearms and/or deadly weapons.

Violating election laws could result to an election offense, which is punishable by one to six years imprisonment as well as removal of right to vote and be elected to public office.

Meanwhile, the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is being pushed in the House of Representatives after allies of President Aquino filed two bills providing for the election of just one youth sector representative in each local government unit.

Valenzuela City Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo filed House Bill No. 2535 that calls to repeal Section 423 and 430 of the Local Government Code of 1991, abolishing the election of eight members and one chairperson of the youth council in each barangay.

"We cannot entrust power and public funds to teenagers aged 15 to 17 years old, who are just beginning to learn what responsibility and accountability are all about," Gunigundo said.

However, Gunigundo clarified that the youth sector will still be heard in public governance as persons 18 years old an above can still be elected as councilors, noting that SK abolition will give the priority back to the education of the youth.

"Let it not be said that this bill is anti-youth. We firmly believe that the youth should be given more time to prepare and gradually realize what's behind the world they are entering... They are expected to devote more time to their studies," Gunigundo added. (Rio Rose Ribaya)