The Department of the Interior and Local Government warned barangay officials against endorsing and campaigning for candidates.
Usec. for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said the prohibition applies to all village officials – chairpersons, council members, secretaries, and treasurers.
“Ngayon kapag nakuhanan kayo ng litrato at video (supporting political bets) tapos sinampahan kayo ng kaso sa Civil Service Commission o Commission on Elections. pasensyahan tayo dahil may power ang Comelec to suspend, to suspend or to remove barangay officials from public office,” Diño said.
He, however, said elective officials such as president, vice president, senators, congressmen, governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, and Cabinet secretaries may endorse the political candidates of their choice.
This came amid clamors from citizens that many village officials still openly support candidates and even join their sorties and that only a few of them are penalized due to election offenses.
Earlier, Sec. Eduardo Año also reminded barangay officials that “any semblance of campaigning” including the wearing of outfits akin to the political color of a candidate is illegal, noting that they should be apolitical.
He also warned local chief executives not to allow the use of resources of local government units in election campaign activities. – PNA
April 19, 2024
