Section 62Sec./Art. 62

Restrictions on Wearing Military Uniforms and Bearing Arms. -

(a) During the period of beginning thirty days before any election and ending thirty days thereafter, it shall be unlawful for any member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the Philippine Constabulary, special forces, home defense forces, barrio self-defense units and all other para-military units that now exist or may hereafter be organized, to wear his uniform or bear arms outside the camp, garrison or barracks to which he is assigned or detailed (or outside their homes, in the case of members of home defense forces, barrio self-defense units and other para-military units), unless (1) the President of the Philippines shall have given previous authority therefor, or (2) the Commission authorizes him to do so, which authority it shall give only when necessary to assist it in maintaining free, orderly and honest elections, and only after notice and hearing.

All personnel of the Armed Forces authorized by the President or the Commission to bear arms or wear their uniforms outside their camps and all police and peace officers shall bear their true name, rank and serial number, if any, stitched in block letter on a white background on the left breast of their uniform, in letters and numbers of a clearly legible design at least two centimeters tall.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any member of the security or police organizations of government departments, commissions, councils, bureaus, offices, or government-owned or controlled corporations, or privately-owned or operated security, investigative, protective or intelligence agencies, to wear his uniform or make use of his insignias, decorations or regalia, or bear arms, except within the immediate vicinity of his department, commission, council, bureau, office, corporation or agency during the prohibited period as herein provided.

This prohibition shall not apply when said member is in pursuit of a person who has committed or is committing a crime in the premises he is guarding; or when escorting or providing security for the transport of payrolls, deposits or other valuables; or when guarding the residence of private persons; or when guarding private buildings or offices: Provided, That in the last two cases, prior written approval of the Commission shall be obtained.

(c) The Commission shall decide all applications for authority under this section within fifteen days from the date of the filing of such application.