SEVERAL prohibited acts, aside from the ongoing gun ban were among recent guidelines released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the 2019 midterm elections.
The guidelines is based on Comelec Resolution no. 10475 banning the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filing up of new positions, giving salary increases, transfer or detail of civil service employees, suspension of elective local officials, and filing of leave of absences of local treasurers in connection with the May 13, 2019 national and local elections.
Under the resolution, Comelec will not grant authority to any official or government agency to appoint new employees, whether provisional, temporary or casual, 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election except for reasons of exigency of service.
The notice should include the reason for the urgency in filling up a position.
Prohibited during the election period include transfer of posts of teachers and policemen, implementation of suspension orders of elective officials.
Under the Comelec guidelines, suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official without approval of the commission, unless said suspension will be for purposes of applying the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.
Comelec also warned government officials not to take part in any partisan politics.
The Omnibus Election Code states that any officer or employee in the civil service, except those holding political offices, who engages in any partisan political activity, except to vote, will be held liable for committing an election offense.
The resolution was penned by Commission Chairman Sheriff Abas, Commissioners Al Parreno, Luie Tito Guia, Maria Rowena Guanzon, Socorro Inting, Marlon Casquejo and Antonio Kho which takes effect starting March 29 until May 12.