DILG reminds its officers and
employees to observe political neutrality
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
20, 2007
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – The
Department of Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum reminding its
officials and employees to observe political neutrality and to avoid partisan
political activities designed to promote the election or defeat of any candidate
in the forthcoming May elections.
In his memorandum which also
covers the personnel of the Philippine National Police, Secretary Ronaldo Puno
warned the officials and employees of DILG to refrain from any partisan activity
in the run-up to the May polls except to vote on the day of the election.
With the start of the campaign
period, all employees and officials of the Department should keep in mind that
they must refrain from getting involved in any election-related activity, lest
they be found liable for violations of the Omnibus Election Code and the rules
and regulations imposed by the Commission on Elections to carry out the Fair
Elections Act in relation to the May 14 elections, Secretary Puno said.
Any DILG official or employee
found to have engaged in political activities during the election period could
be held liable for election offenses under Batas Pambansa 881 or the Omnibus
Election Code, Secretary Puno said.
Under BP 881, election
offenses are punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more
than six years without probation. Those found guilty of election offenses will
be disqualified to hold public office and will lose their right to vote.
Secretary Puno explained
that prohibited partisan politics include: forming organizations, associations,
clubs, committees or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes
and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate; holding political
caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies
for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or
propaganda for or against a candidate; making speeches, announcements or
commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate
for public office; publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials
designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; and directly or
indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against any candidate.
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