WHILE they may be allowed to endorse political bets, barangay officials are warned against holding hostage the delivery of basic services in exchange for voting favors.
Acting Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Jerome Brillantes said that as officials with a political nature, barangay officials could campaign for candidates in the May 13 polls provided that they campaigned on their own capacity and they did not use the village’s resources or funds.
“They can endorse, but there are incumbent officials who prohibit the delivery of basic services to non-supporters. That’s a big no-no. They are compelled by law to deliver basic services. That was why barangay officials were created, so they could facilitate the quick delivery of goods and services,” Brillantes said in Cebuano.
Barangay officials are only mandated to remain nonpartisan during barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which means they are not allowed to affiliate themselves with any political party or incumbent city or municipal official.
No coercion
Brillantes also reminded candidates of national and local elections that forcing a barangay official or person to support them and vote for them was an election offense.
He also said incumbent city and town mayors were not allowed to dictate which candidates barangay officials could vote for.
“You can convince them, but not force them. It’s free will,” Brillantes added.
He encouraged those who were being threatened for their right to suffrage to file cases against political bets.
Appointed officials, on the other hand, were mandated to remain nonpartisan, he added.
“We have to distinguish elective and non-elective official or by appointment. Surely, for those who were appointed, they can’t campaign. They’re nonpartisan, so they can’t endorse. Unlike these persons (barangay officials) who were elected by nature, then they can campaign,” Brillantes said in Cebuano.