Barangay officials can’t campaign, says Comelec

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said barangay officials nationwide are banned from campaigning for or against any candidate in the May midterm polls.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the Omnibus Election Code restrains barangay officials from engaging in campaign activities unless they are the candidates themselves.

“They (barangay officials) cannot campaign because of the nature of barangay elections, which should not be non-partisan,” he said.

But election lawyer Romulo Macalintal believes otherwise, saying that just like President Aquino, barangay officials may legally campaign for any candidate.

The Comelec earlier said Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay, who are both holding political positions, are exempt from the ban on state workers to campaign.

Sarmiento said the Comelec may have to clarify the issue in a resolution soon.

But the Comelec warned that public officials found campaigning in the coming elections face sanctions for violating civil service rules.