Election watchdog, CSC warn gov’t workers vs electioneering

AN election watchdog on Friday said some government workers and officials have started engaging in campaign-related activities for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“The more common [cases] would be the use of barangay vehicles and candidate materials being posted near barangay premises,” Eric Jude O. Alvia, secretary general of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), said in a phone call interview with BusinessWorld.

Electioneering and partisan political activity refer to acts that promote the election or defeat of a candidate or party to public office, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said in an e-mailed press release on Friday.

The prohibition of electioneering and partisan activities is mentioned in the 1987 Constitution and the CSC-Commission on Elections (Comelec) Circular No. 1, series of 2016, which can lead to suspension and/or dismissal, depending on the offense.

Prior to the campaign period, which started on Oct. 19 and will end on Oct. 28, Mr. Alvia said that Namfrel instructed its volunteer chapters to observe and report any instance of local governments supporting potential candidates, especially through projects in the guise of delivering social services such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.

“This is also part of the responsibilities of the Comelec’s Anti-Epal [Task Force],” he said on the dedicated arm of the Comelec in charge of issuing corresponding show cause orders for those who violate the imposed election and campaign regulations.

The CSC reminded government officials to refrain from participating in electioneering and partisan activities.

“The Commission acknowledges civil servants’ shared desire to contribute to improved public service delivery through electoral participation,” said Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, CSC chairperson.

“However, we must remain mindful not to engage in electioneering or partisan activities during this period,” he said. “This…

BusinessWorld

2023-10-20 05:07:57

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