MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that they are giving an exemption on the appointees of President Benigno Aquino III amid the election ban on government appointments.
During the election period, which is from September 28 to November 12, the Omnibus Election Code prohibits the issuance of appointments, promotions, creation of new positions, or giving of salary increases in government offices or instrumentalities among others.
However, Comelec Chairperson Sixto Brillantes said that the exemption was not given automatically to Malacanang, since there is an election ban on appointments in the government.
“Hindi automatic ‘yun. Humihingi sila exemption although mayroon na kami special treatment for presidential appointments when urgent they can appoint,” he added.
Brillantes cited the appointments of the new deputy commissioners at the Bureau of Customs.
Asked if there was a chance that a request of the president has been rejected, he answered, “Wala pa ako nakikita… depende kung sa tingin namin hindi dapat ma-reappoint e di huwag muna namin bigyan ng exemption. Pero lahat binibigyan namin e. In fact madami na binigay namin exemption ng president.”
He added, “Kapag hindi naman binigyan exemption in which case they have to wait after the elections.” (FP/Sunnex)