Government employees caught campaigning to face raps

CEBU, Philippines — Government workers caught campaigning for or against a specific candidate in the coming May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections may be slapped with an electioneering charge.

Lionel Marco Castillano, Cebu provincial election supervisor, said while employees in the public sector may express their personal views, but it should not come to a point where they seem to be campaigning already.

He especially reminded them to beware of what they post on the social media.

Under the rules, employees who are prohibited from campaigning for or against candidates include those from the executive, legislative, judiciary, constitutional commission, and all the employees covered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Job-order employees are not included in the prohibition since they are not directly employed by the government.

“Kung ang imong appointment does not necessitate approval of the Civil Service, you are not considered an employee of the government,” Castillano said.

Elected officials in the town or city may campaign for a candidate but only in their personal capacities.

“Pwede sila mangampanya (elected officials). (But) you must not, in a way, carry with you your political group or affiliation kay this is a non-partisan political activity. Bawal moayuda or mogamit og political group,” Castillano said.

But for Governor Hilario Davide III, there is no such thing as a “non-partisan barangay election.”

“Partisan gyud na kay naa man na silay saligan pud nga incumbent or politico. Kita pud mga local officials sa municipalities and provinces, moduol man sad ta sa mga kapitan kung election time so dili gyud na madala og non-partisan,” he said.

In fact, the governor admitted that he has received texts from barangay candidates asking assistance for their candidacies.

He, however, clarified that he would not openly endorse those barangay officials.

Peace Covenant

Meanwhile, Castillano is urging the police to spearhead the signing of peace covenants among candidates in the May 14 polls, especially in areas with heated rivalries.

“Just to show the people also nga these candidates would also abide by the election laws and regulations and conduct their campaigning in such a way nga dili magkagubot,” Castillano said.

He also reminded police personnel to avoid being engaged in partisan activities by campaigning for or against a candidate.

“We must not only be non-partisan but must also appear to be non-partisan. If ever an election officer is, one way or another, related to a candidate in his area of responsibility, I would recommend that he be transferred to the neighboring municipality,” he said.

Palma’s Call

To those gunning for posts in the barangay elections next month, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has a word of advice: “Let it be an opportunity for service.”

As the barangay is the smallest unit of government, Palma said barangay leaders wield an important role in the lives of the people.

Thus, he hopes that elected barangay officials will stay true to their campaign promises to uplift the lives of their consituents.

Palma likewise advised voters not to be swayed by money or any favors in deciding who to vote for in the elections.

He said the people should choose candidates who are capable of running their barangays, as he expressed hope that the coming elections will be peaceful and orderly. —/JMD (FREEMAN)