Poll checkpoints
CERTAINLY, checkpoints manned by Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel help ensure the holding of free, honest, peaceful and credible polls on May 12.
Likewise, these Comelec-PNP checkpoints, now numbering more than 6,000 across the country, play a key role in the enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
It is public knowledge that many motorists, including women, are issued tickets for driving without license.
Others are caught driving motor vehicles, like motorcycles, with expired registration papers.
“Pati drayber at back rider ng mga motorsiklo na walang suot na crash helmet ay sinisita rin ng mga tumatao sa mga checkpoint,” a barangay official said.
“Na tama naman dahil delikado ang naka-motorsiklo na walang proteksyon sa ulo,” the village executive added.
And it is very commendable that village authorities, particularly CVO members, help those manning the checkpoints.
The establishment of more checkpoints, notably “areas of concern” or better known as “poll hot spots,” is a move in the right direction.
Official records show that local elections are more violent than national polls in impoverished Philippines.
We doff our hat to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for utilizing all resources to ensure that Filipinos can vote without fear during election day.
