ELECTION PERIOD FOR MIDTERM POLL STARTS
The Commission on Elections in Panabo City has announced that the election period for the 2019 midterm polls has officially begun on Sunday, January 13.
However, City Election Officer Gladiel Jim Casinto clarified that the campaign period has not yet started as the official campaign period for national positions will start on February 12.
While the campaign activities for local positions is supposed to start on March 29, the same date falls on a Good Friday. Hence, campaign activities are prohibited during this time.
Based on Comelec Resolution 10429, there are certain prohibitions to be enforced during the election period from January 13 to June 12, 2019:
• Alteration of territory of a precinct or the establishment of a new precinct
• Transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service
• Gun ban, or the bearing of firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized by the Comelec
• Use of security personnel/bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized by the Comelec
• Organization of reaction forces, strike forces, etc.
• Suspension of elective local officials
Other prohibitions to be enforced:
Campaign period to Election Day – February 12 to May 13, 2019:
• Giving donations/gifts in cash or in kind by candidates, treasurers of parties, or their agents for any structure for public use or for the use of any religious or civic organization
• Appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents, etc
Eve of election to Election Day – May 12 and 13, 2019
• Campaigning
• Liquor ban, or the selling, buying, or taking of liquor
• Giving or accepting free transportation, food or drinks, or things of value
Additional prohibitions on Election Day, May 13:
• Voting more than once or in substitution of another
• Soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate or political party within 30 meters from a polling place
• Opening of booths for the sale of merchandise or refreshments within 30 meters from a polling place
• Holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races, or any other similar sports
Other prohibited acts
• May 13, 2018, to August 11, 2019 – Transfer, promotion, extension, recall, or any other movement of an officer or member of the foreign service corps from his or her current post or position
• March 14 to June 12, 2019 – Illegal release of prisoners
• March 29 to May 12, 2019:
o Appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving salary increases, remuneration, or privilege
o Construction of public works
o Release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds
• April 13 to May 13, 2019 – Campaigning abroad
Moreover, Casinto reminded government employees to remain neutral and refrain from campaigning for or against a particular candidate as provided in the joint circular issued by the COMELEC and Civil Service Commission.
Those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with the penalty of one (1) month and one (1) day suspension to six (6) months for the first offense; and dismissal from the service for the second offense according to the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service or 2017 RACCS (CSC Resolution No. 1701077 dated July 3, 2017) which superseded the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
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