PHILIPPINES
Philippines Public Servants have been warned against using any Government resources or materials to support candidates in the May mid-term elections.
Chair of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Dante Jimenez also said he would “go hard” on any Government employee found to be actively campaigning for candidates.
Mr Jimenez (pictured) attacked Agency heads who in the past had allowed office supplies to be used to promote certain candidates, saying they would face dismissal if it happened this time.
He said the Philippines constitution barred Public Servants from engaging, “directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign”.
“Violators may be suspended or dismissed from office and that includes members of the armed forces. All you can do is vote,” Mr Jimenez said.
While promising to “give meaning” to the constitutional restrictions, the PACC was also confronted with the challenge of going after administration candidates who might also take advantage of Government resources for their campaign.
The President, Vice President, and Cabinet members, including their personal and confidential staff, are not covered by the ban against electioneering or partisan political activities.
However, they should not “solicit contributions from their subordinates or subject them to any of the acts” prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.
Mr Jimenez insisted all candidates “must understand their responsibilities” during the campaign and urged the public to report any violations to the anti-corruption group.
Manila, 16 February, 2019
