The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is reminding concerned stakeholders that the last day of filing for Certificate of Authority to Transport (CA-TT) Chemicals is May 29, 2019.

The COMELEC advises entities engaged in the transport of chemicals that it will accept applications for CA-TT until May 29, the last day of filing of applications.

The CA-TT must be secured following the implementation of a nationwide gun ban covering the period January 13, 2019 to June 12, 2019.

The reminder aims to prevent any delay in the clearance of shipments at the border or transportation of chemicals from May 30 to June 12, 2019, after the deadline of submission of applications.

The COMELEC committed to process and issue CA-TT within 10 days from submission of complete documentary requirements.

In an earlier dialogue with stakeholders, Atty. Akia A. Co II, of the COMELEC’s Law Department, explained that the gun ban was imposed in view of the May 13 elections. The ban covers not only firearms and explosives but also the delivery and transport of controlled chemicals, necessitating the application of a CA-TT to be exempted.

Co said the CA-TT is issued to duly licensed entities and applies to the transport or delivery of firearms or its parts, ammunition or its components, explosives or its components, including controlled chemicals, during the election period.

Application period for the CA-TT started last December 1 and runs until May 29.

Application forms should be submitted to the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel or CBFSP, the sole body mandated to issue the certification, Co added.

As a final reminder, Co said that even if issued with a certificate of authority to transport, the holder should make sure to “secure valid and existing licenses, permits, certifications and authorizations as may be applicable,” or the CA-TT becomes invalid immediately.