Malacañang has concurred with the Commission on Elections's (Comelec) deputation of law enforcement agencies in connection with the conduct of the upcoming May 9 polls.
Signed by President Duterte last Dec. 31, 2021 was Memorandum Order No. 59, titled "Concurrence of the President in the deputation of law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for the 09 May 2022 national and local elections."
A copy of the single-page document was received by Palace reporters Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 12.
The directive was the executive branch's response to Comelec Resolution No. 10744 (s. 2021), which resolved to request the concurrence of the President in the deputation of law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the AFP, in connection with the May 2022 elections.
Through the Memorandum Order, President Duterte declares that he "concur(s) with Comelec Resolution No. 10744, deputizing law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the AFP, in connection with the 09 May 2022 national and local elections."
"The foregoing law enforcement agencies and other concerned agencies are hereby directed to coordinate and cooperate with the Comelec in the performance of their duties and functions," it said.
The Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.