PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, October 15, reminded government officials and employees to maintain a "strictly neutral" stance on the 2019 mid-term elections.
In a speech delivered in Taguig City, Duterte called on workers in government, including the police and the military, to avoid engaging in partisan political activities and electioneering during the election season.
The Chief Executive made the call just a few hours after he accompanied his most trusted aide, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office to file his certificate of candidacy for the senatorial race.
"Bong is not my aide anymore. The moment he signed his certificate of candidacy, he ceased to be a government employee. Kumandidato siya [sa pagka-senador] eh (He wants to run for senator)," Duterte said before the military.
"Wala akong sinasabi na botohan niyo (I am not saying you should vote for him). And let us make a deal or promise, or make a commitment to the Filipino people: This election, strictly neutral tayong lahat (We will be strictly neutral in this election). The armed forces, the police, and the uniformed personnel of government, I am asking you not to indulge in partisan politics," he added.
The Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines considers as an election offense the involvement of any government officials and employees in electioneering or partisan political activities.
Under Section 79(b), Article 10 of the of the Omnibus Election Code, election campaign or partisan political activity is defined as "any act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or party to public office."
Section 261(i), Article 22 of the Omnibus election Code prohibits any public officisals, including members of the police and the military forces, to intervene in any election campaign or engage in any partisan political activity.
Duterte urged his fellow workers in the government to follow election laws during the 2019 midterm elections.
He also kept his vow to maintain an "honest" election.
"Wala tayong susuportahan (We will not support any candidates). 'Yung mga kandidato ko, ako lang (My candidates are my preference) because this is a political position," the President said.
"But I expect everybody to respect that constitutional prohibition. It's good for the country. And I will announce to the country now that we make a pledge, there will be an election and it will be an honest one," he added.
Duterte also vowed that state assets would not be used to promote the candidacy of any candidates who are close to him.
"Nobody but nobody can use government resources, not even Bong. I will not allow. Yes, he's a friend, I can invite him. But he should not [enjoy any preferential treatment]," he said.
The country's Omnibus Election Code also disallows the "use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment facilities owned or controlled by the government for an election campaign." (SunStar Philippines)