October 25 declared a non-working holiday

A Palace official said October 25, the day of the nationwide barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, has been declared a non-working holiday under Proclamation Number 48. Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning made the announcement on Thursday at the La Consolacion College in Manila, where President Benigno Aquino III delivered a report on his first 100 days in office. "It is imperative that the people be given the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to vote," Proclamation No. 48 read. Proclamation No. 48 was signed October 6 by Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr.

On October 25, voters will elect:

one barangay chairman;

one SK chairman;

seven Sangguniang Barangay members, and

seven SK members. Around 672,400 elective posts in 42,025 barangays are expected to be filled after the local polls. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier reminded voters that a total of 4,433 outgoing barangay captains are already on their third or fourth terms, and are thus barred from vying for the same post in the upcoming elections. The filing of certificates of candidacy started Friday last week and will go on until October 13. Security during the elections On September 24, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines re-activated the task force that will ensure a peaceful and orderly elections. Called Task Force Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections (Task Force HOPE-2010 Bravo), the joint task force will focus on about 2,300 areas on their watchlist and some 107 private armed groups in the country. A natioinwide gunban took effect on September 25 and will last until November 10, or 15 days after the synchronized barangay and SK elections. The ban includes the automatic suspension of all permit to carry firearms outside of residences. Only authorized law enforcemers on duty and in proper police uniform will be allowed to carry firearms. – With Jam Sisante, VVP, GMANews.TV