CEBU, Philippines — A dump truck bearing the name of Brgy. Sambag I and the official seal of the City of Cebu was allegedly spotted carrying and transporting campaign materials of the KUSUG-Panaghiusa coalition earlier last week.
The Freeman received photos and video footage of the truck, which resembles those provided by the city government to the barangays. The footage appears to show City Councilor Jerry Guardo giving instructions to the individuals on the truck.
The truck allegedly carried materials that shows the political lineup of Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and runningmate Atty. Jose “Joey” Daluz III near a drive-in motel in Brgy. Tejero.
Sought for comment, Commission on Elections (Comelec)-7 Regional Director Francisco Pobe, however, said that at this time, no election-related violations are committed because the election period is yet to start on Jan. 12, 2025.
He said this is the implication of the Supreme Court decision in the case of Penera vs Comele, of which the High Court stated that a candidate can only be covered by the rule on premature campaigning only at the start of campaign period, which, “in the case of local candidates starts on March 28, 2025 yet.”
“The scenario seems awkward but it’s the prevailing law” Pobe said.
Guardo’s side
Guardo, on the other hand, denied using a government vehicle for their personal use, saying he is renting a private vehicle to carry election-related materials.
“Wala man, nag-rent man mi…. Barangay (vehicle)? Wala ko ana…. Naa koy girentahan, P3,000 ang daily,” he told The Freeman.
Guardo also said the dump truck might have been used for another purpose because he is only focused on his wife Ailien’s City Council campaign and not for the entire coalition.
Ailien, Sambag I’s barangay captain, is running for city councilor under the KUSUG-Panaghiusa coalition. Guardo is on his third and last term as city councilor.
“Basin lain to…. Ang akong gi-focusan ra man kay kang Ailien raman, and nag rent ko personal,” Guardo said.
Ailien, too, said in a separate interview that she has no idea that their barangay’s dump truck was utilized for such use.
The village chief she will have the matter investigated.
“Ako pa na i-investigate kay wala koy idea ana nga gamit ang truck,” she said.
The pictures and videos surfaced on the same day that Comelec warned incumbent officials who are seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm elections against the use of government properties to advance their political interest.
Pobe reminded them on the strict rules and penalties on the use of government facilities and resources, as stipulated in the Omnibus Election Code.
He said the general rule is already clear -- government vehicles cannot be used for campaign purposes.
He, however, said exemptions to the rule are made when assets are used in the delivery of public services.
He reminded officials that the use of government vehicles, facilities, or funds for personal or partisan political purposes is prohibited.
Since government assets are public funds, Pobe said, campaining, posting campaign posters, and distributing propaganda maerials using government vehicles are not allowed.
He said that the rules in the Omnibus Election Code are strict for incumbents seeking reelection or running for other positions so they would not misuse their office.
He encouraged the public to report these violations because while they investigate on their own, public vigilance against such violations really plays a crucial role in addressing them.
But since it is not the election period yet and therefore no violations are committed, he just discouraged the public from supporting those who do not observe fairness and justness in their election-related activities. — (FREEMAN)