Año on the use of LGU vehicles for campaign rallies: Bawal ‘yan

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it has received reports that some vehicles of local government units are being used for campaign rallies for 2022 elections.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año pointed out the resources of the government including manpower, material, and financial should not be used for campaigns.

“Yes, may mga report tayo na ganyan, ‘yung hinahakot at ang ginagamit ay LGU vehicles. Bawal ‘yan. Hindi pupuwede ‘yan,” he said.

(Yes, we have reports like that, LGU vehicles being used to transport people to and from campaign rallies. That’s prohibited.)

Año advised the public to report such incidents directly to the concerned local Comelec campaign committee, noting that it would take time because due process should be observed.

He added exposing these incidents in social media would deter other LGUs from using government resources for campaigns.

In February, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will consult with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the DILG on candidates using government vehicles during the campaign period.

The CSC also warned that it will impose sanctions on government workers who engage in partisan political activities.

Those found guilty of engaging, directly or indirectly, in partisan political activities will be penalized with one month and one day to six months suspension for the first offense, and dismissal from the service for the second offense.—AOL, GMA News