AN OFFICIAL of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated the rules and regulations for local government units and government agencies, particularly the appointment and hiring of new employees within the election period.
“The transfer, appointment of new employees, creation of new positions, and the promotion or giving of salary increases is prohibited unless there is an exemption or authority from the Comelec,” said Acting Siquijor Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano in an interview prior to the reshuffling of provincial election officers.
Castillano used to be the Cebu provincial election supervisor.
Several calls were made by SunStar Cebu to Acting Cebu provincial election supervisor Jerome Brillantes last Friday, Jan. 18, but he was not available.
Promulgated last Jan. 7, Comelec Resolution 10475 provides the prohibition against the appointment or hiring of new employees, giving of salary increases, and the suspension of elective local officials, among others.
The suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officers is also prohibited from Jan. 13 to June 12.
No prior approval, though, is required if the suspension will be for purposes of applying the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in relation to the suspension or removal of elective officials.
As for the appointment and creation of new positions, and the giving of salary increases, the Comelec will not grant the authority sought, unless it is satisfied that the position to be filled is essential to the functioning of the office concerned, and that it will not be filled in a manner that may influence the May 13 elections.
Meanwhile, the transfer of any employee in the civil service, including public school teachers, within the election period is prohibited unless given prior approval by the Comelec.
“The violation of these provisions is punishable by one to six years’ imprisonment or face perpetual disqualification,” Castillano said.