The Commission on Elections will conduct checkpoints nationwide starting October 1, Sunday, to effectively implement the gun ban and other prohibitions in connection with the October 23 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
During this period, it shall be unlawful for any person to bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized by the Comelec. All permit to carry licenses are automatically suspended. Violators will be punished one to six years of imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to suffrage.
Do you have to stop at a PNP-Comelec checkpoint?
if you drive up to a Philippine National Police (PNP)-Comelec checkpoint, you have to stop the vehicle and comply with law enforcement. This is an exception to the normal rule that police officers cannot pull someone over without a reason. Because of the enforcement of the nationwide gun ban, these checkpoints are not considered a violation of your constitutional rights.
Why are PNP-Comelec checkpoints legal?
The PNP-Comelec checkpoints are an exception because they do not arbitrarily target individual motorists. They are considered an “administrative inspection,” similar to searching bags for weapons at an airport. The motivation is to preserve public safety. They are legal as long as police carefully follow the rules that protect your rights.
These rules were set down by both the PNP and the Comelec, and laid out the following guidelines for checkpoints:
1. DO stop when the checkpoint area is well lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed policemen.
2. DO slow down upon approach, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights.
3. DON'T step out from the vehicle.
4. DO lock all doors of the vehicle during inspection since only visual search is allowed.
5. DON'T submit to physical and body search.
6. DON'T open your glove compartment, trunk and bags.
7. DO be courteous but firm in answering and assert your rights.
8. DON'T panic and DO have presence of mind.
9. DO keep your driver's license and car registration handy.
10. DO be ready to use your mobile phones at any time, speed dial emergency numbers.
11. DO report violations immediately.
What happens at a PNP-Comelec checkpoint?
As you approach a road block, you should see signage warning you to slow down and prepare to stop. The road may be partially closed, forcing all traffic into one or two lanes. As you approach the roadblock, law enforcement officers may indicate for you to stop the car—or they may not. In some cases, you will be waved right through without stopping.
If you are stopped, you should follow officers’ instructions. They will ask you to roll down your window and show your license and registration. You are legally required to follow these directions. If you do not, officers can and will arrest you for obstruction of justice.
Can you turn around at a PNP-Comelec checkpoint?
It may surprise you to find out that there’s no law against turning around and avoiding a checkpoint. In fact, it’s illegal for police to pull you over simply because you drove away. Be careful, however:
- You must still obey all traffic laws. Make an illegal U-turn and police will have immediate justification to pull you over.
- Drive safely. Swerving or driving aggressively can be seen as evidence of guilt, and you’ll be pulled over.
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