The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start setting up checkpoints on Saturday, 11 January, in preparation for the May 2025 elections.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the checkpoints will coincide with the implementation of the gun ban.

“Our preparations are so far so good; we’re not seeing any major roadblocks,” he said. “We won’t just be checking for guns and other deadly weapons.”

“We want to establish that as early as now; we aim to address the problems in your area,” he said.

Garcia said the checkpoints will help the Comelec assess the peace and order situation ahead of the midterm polls.

He said the checkpoints will respect the constitutional rights of Filipinos and would be limited to “plain view” checks.

“They can’t make you open your vehicle, step outside of it, or open anything in your vehicle,” the Comelec chief said.

“It should be limited only to plain view, and we will definitely insist that the same procedures and guidelines be observed by the authorities,” he added.

Garcia said the poll body will meet with the Philippine National Police on Thursday, 9 January, to discuss areas of concern.

The election period will begin on 11 January and end on 12 June.