DILG to LGUs: Remove campaign ads on government properties

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año yesterday ordered all local officials to rid all government properties of political campaign materials.

He cited Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code that bans the use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment, facilities owned or controlled by the government of any election campaign or any partisan political activities.

“We will not allow candidates to use government properties as a platform for their election campaign. It is clearly prohibited,” Año said in a statement.

The department directive also covers government buildings, vehicles and equipment which Año said should not be used by politicians to advance their agenda.

The use of vehicles and facilities for campaign purposes is not allowed under the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission where those found guilty of partisan political activity could be suspended for one to six months without pay for the first offense and dismissal from the service on the second offense.

Local government officials who ignore the directive will be immediately reported to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), according to Año.

The DILG likewise banned local government unit (LGU)  officials and employees from promoting or endorsing candidates of the upcoming elections and must abstain from engaging in partisan political activities. Exempted are local elective officials whose positions are by nature political.

“Civil service personnel are tasked to serve our country with integrity and neutrality. It’s none of our business to influence public opinion on poll bets,” Año said.

DILG spokesman Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya, for his part, urged the public to report to them or the Comelec LGUs who violate the order.

“There are Comelec election officers in most towns in the country. Let us help Comelec in ensuring a peaceful and honest election by reporting violations to their field offices,” he said.

The Comelec on Thursday ordered 34 candidates to take down their illegal posters as the official campaign period has yet to start on March 30 for local election bets and those vying for seats at the House of Representatives.