Special election in 2nd district of Zambales set on Feb. 4, 2012

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the special election for the second district of Zambales on February 4, 2012 to replace Antonio Diaz, who passed away in August 2011.   Under Comelec Resolution No. 9304 promulgated on Dec. 1, 2011, the election period is from Dec. 21, 2011 to Feb. 14, 2012. During the election period, the following are prohibited:  

• Alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct
• Illegal release of prisoners
• Carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons, including wearing of uniforms, insignias, as well as organizing or maintaining reaction or strike forces, or similar forces
• The transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers
• Use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, whether or not such bodyguards are regular members or officers of the Philippine National Police or Armed Forces of the Philippines or other law enforcement agency
• Suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officials

Those who are planning to run for the post can file their certificate of candidacy from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18, 2012. Campaign period will follow on Jan. 19, 2012 until midnight of Feb. 2, 2012   During the campaign period, the following acts are prohibited: posting, displaying, distributing and using illegal campaign materials; removing,  destroying, obliterating, defacing, tampering or preventing distribution of lawful election propaganda; making any donation or gift in cash or in kind; use of armored, land, water, air craft; appointing or using special policemen, special or confidential agents or the like; and construction or maintenance of provincial, city, municipal or barangay-funded roads and bridges. — KBK, GMA News