Elected barangay officials barred from campaigning – Comelec, CSC

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) yesterday reminded elected barangay officials that they are not allowed to engage in partisan political activities during the campaign period.

In a joint press briefing, CSC Chairman Alicia Bala said elected barangay officials as well as government officials and employees, public school teachers, policemen and military personnel are barred from campaigning for any candidate but can follow them on social media.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista maintained that the “law is clear on that aspect” concerning the elected barangay leaders.

“They have to follow the law, mainly the Local Government Code. They should be neutral in the way they provide services to their constituents. And they are not supposed to belong to any political party,” he added.

But he said that there are certain activities excluded from the restrictions. 

“The excluded activities are expressing one’s views on current political problems or issues, mentioning the name of candidates or parties whom one supports,” he said.

Bautista added that social network functions like “liking, commenting, sharing, reposting or following a candidate’s or party’s account, unless these are resorted to as a means to solicit support for or against a candidate or party during the campaign period,” are allowed.

Yesterday, the two officials signed a joint circular on electioneering and partisan political activities.