CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) assures the public that no government funds will be used for campaigning by incumbent officials.
As the campaign period is nearly approaching, DILG-Central Luzon Regional Director Florida Dijan said the budget released to the local government units (LGUs) months before the May 2016 polls are already obligated.
"Yung nga budget na yan, nandyan na. Ginagawa na yung mga proyekto kung saan yung buong budget ay naaprubruhan ng national," Dijan said.
The DILG official cited Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 3479 that governs public works ban and release, disbursement and expenditures of public funds in connection with forthcoming polls.
According to the guideline, the government is prohibited to bid or release funds and award bids for public projects 45 days before the polls.
"If incumbent officials will have any benefits from these projects, it will be the credit that these projects and programs are product of good governance," Dijan explained.
Dijan also assured the public that the agency will be closely monitoring any disorders and discrepancies in the LGUs.
"Together with the community, anything irregular that will be monitored will be directly coordinated to the Philippine National Police and Comelec since they are the agencies in-charged during this season," Dijan said.