MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold mock elections on December 29 in Metro Manila and six other provinces across the Philippines, and with this, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said on Sunday that they are prepared to assist in conducting the mock elections.
Carlos, in a statement, said the nationwide mock elections would help the police force prepare for the actual voting day.
“We will be waiting for the official advisory from the Comelec (Commission on Elections) regarding the planned mock elections. But definitely, the PNP is willing to extend assistance for this activity,” he said.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, the PNP personnel are prohibited from going inside voting precincts, but are assigned to maintain peace and order around the vicinity. They are also responsible for securing the transportation of ballots and other election paraphernalia.
The May 9, 2022 national and local elections will be held as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next year’s elections will also see longer voting hours as health protocols are expected to slow down the voting process.