The Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded politicians to ignore groups asking for fees to be allowed entry in areas where they intend to campaign or those that collect money to ensure their victory in elections.
While the police and military in the Cordillera reported there are no reported groups yet engaging in the collection of permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees, DILG-Cordillera Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief Marleen M. Guerzon said they are continuously coordinating with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that all candidates are allowed unhampered entry in all areas in the region.
DILG MC 2019-26 directs candidates not pay permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees and for incumber officials to ensure that all their constituents who desire their right to suffrage are allowed and their rights are protected when participating in in political assemblies and in the dissemination and receipt of information on any election-related matters.
Guerzon also reminded politicians about the anti-epal measure that prohibits them from writing their names, initials, or attaching their photos in any government program, project, or property.
DILG Memorandum Circular 2010-101 bans the put up of billboards, signages, and other information materials bearing the names, initials, or photos of politicians on government programs and properties.
Guerzon said the reminder is being issued to insulate government programs from politicking, especially as the campaign for the May 9 elections heats up.
She encouraged the public to report politicians who put their names, initials, or photos to government projects and properties such as vehicles and public buildings.
Guerzon said under government projects should only contain the name and location of the project, the contractor, and its duration, while government vehicles should only bear the office’s logo the label, “For Official Use Only.”
Although the circular was issued wayback in 2010 and despite the noticeable violations of the circular, no cases were filed yet against the violators.
She asked the public to report to the DILG the politicians the violate the anti-epal measure. – Jane B. Cadalig
April 25, 2024
