10 former City Hall workers use government radios for campaign

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government has issued a memorandum to at least ten former Cebu City Hall employees, directing them to return city-owned digital radios allegedly used for electioneering.

On Monday, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced that City Administrator, Atty. Kristine Joy Batucan, had signed the memorandum addressed to former employees from the administration of former Mayor Michael Rama. Garcia said the digital radios had been issued to these individuals while they were still employed at City Hall.

“Among gihatagan og memorandum nga ipauli na nila so that we can also issue them a receipt nga ila nasad nauli,” Garcia said.

Garcia further stated that the individuals in question—primarily staff, security personnel, and drivers—were previously assigned to the Office of the Mayor. The memorandum gives them 72 hours to return the radios.

If the radios are not returned within the specified timeframe, Garcia said the case would be referred to the Cebu City Legal Office.

He explained that the memorandum followed a written report alleging the radios had been used for political campaigning. According to Garcia, the Cebu City Disaster Team intercepted communication over the government frequency at “pulong-pulong” gatherings and among attendees.

“They weren’t supposed to do that because these are government properties, you are now supposed to use government properties for campaigning most especially if you are no longer connected to the government,” Garcia emphasized.

Following the discovery, Garcia said the Cebu City Government identified the former employees involved, noting that each radio unit had been specifically assigned and properly documented. — Iris Hazel Mascardo/FPL

Earlier, Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (COMELEC-7) Regional Director, Atty. Francisco Pobe, warned incumbent officials running in the upcoming midterm elections against using government resources for political purposes.

Pobe reminded all incumbent candidates of strict regulations regarding the use of government assets and the corresponding penalties under the Omnibus Election Code.

The electoral body also reiterated that the use of government vehicles, facilities, or funds for personal or partisan political activity is strictly prohibited. Offenders may face imprisonment from one to six years, disqualification from public office, and revocation of voting rights.

Non-incumbent candidates were likewise cautioned against distributing campaign materials outside of designated areas or handing out items that may violate election rules.

COMELEC-7 encourages the public to report any violations they witness. While commission officials are prepared to take action, public complaints can play a vital role in ensuring compliance. — (FREEMAN)