The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday reminded local officials to strictly adhere to Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, which bans the use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment, and facilities owned and controlled by government for any election campaign or partisan political activity.
Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año issued the reminder as he directed local government units (LGUs) to clear all government facilities, properties and vehicles of political campaign materials.
“We will not allow candidates to use government properties as a platform for their election campaign. It’s clearly prohibited. Government buildings, properties, vehicles and equipment are for official use only and may not be used as venues or tools for partisan political activity,” Año said in a news statement.
According to Año, LGUs that fail to comply with election prohibitions will immediately be reported to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
For his part, Interior Assistant Secretary and Spokesman Jonathan Malaya urged the public to report LGUs violating the election ban to the Comelec or the DILG by taking a picture of the campaign material together with a copy of the day’s newspaper.
“The Comelec has promised to act on these violations immediately. There are Comelec election officers in most towns in the country. Let us help Comelec in ensuring a peaceful and honest election by reporting violations to their field offices,” he said.
The use of vehicles and facilities for campaign purposes is also not allowed by law, Malaya added. “The use of government vehicles for such purposes is not ‘official’ as defined by the Civil Service Commission,” he added.
The Comelec on Thursday ordered 34 election candidates to take down their illegal posters as the official campaign period has yet to start on March 30 for local election candidates, and those vying for a seat in the House of Representatives.
The DILG, likewise, bans LGU officials and employees from promoting or endorsing candidates of the upcoming elections and must abstain from engaging in partisan political activities, except local elective officials who, by the political nature of their position, are exempted from the ban.
“Civil service personnel are tasked to serve our country with integrity and neutrality. It’s none of our business to influence public opinion on poll bets. Let’s just do our jobs and respect the people’s ability to make informed decisions during the May elections,” Año said.
He asked all LGU officials to heed the President’s call for “honest and clean” elections, which means adherence to all election laws and regulations.
In 2016, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Comelec issued Joint Resolution 1600298 prohibiting all LGU officials and employees from participating in any electioneering and partisan political activities during the campaign season, except local elective officials who, by the nature of their office, are exempted.
According to the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in CSC Resolution 1101502, those found guilty of partisan political activity will be charged with one to six months of suspension without pay on the first offense and dismissal from the service and permanent disqualification from the civil service on the second offense.
Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines considers election-related violations as criminal offenses and therefore punishes the offender with one to six years of imprisonment, disqualification from public office and prohibition from exercising their voting rights.