By Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA
BAGUIO CITY — Aside from the gun ban, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded the different agencies on Monday of the other prohibitions during the election period which started January 13.
“The ban on appointment of new employees, creation of new position, promotion, or giving salary increases [is now in effect],” Comelec-Cordillera regional director lawyer Julius Torres in a interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA)
During last Friday’s press briefing, Torres noted that the “Resolution 10475 enforces the prohibition against employment or hiring of new employees; creation or filling 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 treasurer in connection with the mid-term elections.”
He said the 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.
He, however, clarified that an exemption could be granted for reasons of exigency of service.
“There will be an exception in case of urgent need, provided that the notice of the appointment will be given to the Comelec within three days from the date of appointment,” he said.
The notice should include the reason for the urgency in filling up a position, Torres said.
The prohibition also include transfer of posts of teachers and policemen, implementation of suspension orders of elective officials.
“The suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official without approval of the commission, unless the said suspension will be for purposes of applying the anti-graft and corrupt practices act,” Torres said.
Torres also reminded the public about the gun ban which also took effect on January 13. The prohibition include bringing in public deadly weapons and replica of firearms and ammunition. The election period and gun ban will end on June 12.
Meanwhile, Torres reminded government employees not to take part in any partisan political activity.
“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,” Torres added.
