Transport firms required to report when hired

OZAMIZ CITY -- All transportation companies engaged in the operation of transportation facilities during the election are required to report the use, rental or hiring of their facilities by any candidate, political party, coalition of political parties, or groups or organizations in connection with the election campaign.

Lawyer Stalin A. Baguio, provincial elections supervisor of Misamis Occidental, said the report, which will be submitted within 30 days following the day of the election, include the amount paid for such use, rental or hiring.

Such report shall then be submitted to the Regional Election Director (RED) of the region, who in turn shall submit the same to the Law Department, Comelec, Manila.

The said report is for the purpose of proper accounting and monitoring of expenses under Sections 100 and 101, respectively, in relation to Sec. 112 of the Omnibus Election Code, Baguio added.

Meanwhile, refusal to carry official election matters free of charge during the election period can penalize transportation operators and employees.

This is stipulated in Section 261 of Republic Act No. 9006 otherwise known as the Fair Elections Act, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said.

Baguio said Section 261 of RA 9006 penalizes operators or employees of public utilities or transportation companies operating under a certificate of public convenience who refuse to carry official election matters free of charge during the election period. (RCA)