Comelec to check with CSC, DILG on candidates’ use of gov’t vehicles

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez on Tuesday said he will consult with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) about the issue of candidates' using red-plate vehicles or government vehicles during the campaign period.

Jimenez made the statement after a netizen tweeted him a photo of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. supposedly in a vehicle with a red plate. The photo was posted on Monday, February 7, a day before the official start of the campaign period for national positions.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Marcos’ camp.

“If it happened outside of the campaign period, unfortunately wala tayong jurisdictions diyan [we have no jurisdiction] because these are not candidates. On the other hand, if it happened during the campaign period, it is very  important to know kung kanino yung vehicle na yon, [whose vehicle that was]” Jimenez said in a virtual press conference.

“Obviously at first glance there seems to be a problem because government resources cannot be used for partisan political purposes. However, there are some CSC guidelines particularly on the matter of political officers meaning to say who occupies elective office,” he added.

The CSC earlier warned that it will impose sanctions on government workers who engage in partisan political activities.

Those found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be penalized with one month and one day to six months' suspension for the first offense, and dismissal from the service for the second offense.

“Persons who occupy elective office are given a lot of leeway in engaging in partisan political activities. What we need to clarify is if these vehicles are assigned to them as service vehicles; will there be a difference in treatment as well?” Jimenez said.

“Will the accommodations extended to political officers also cover their assigned government resources? I would like to get some clarification on that matter with the appropriate agencies particularly CSC and DILG. So I am preparing to write a letter to these agencies to request clarification on this issue,” he added.

The official campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions officially started today, February 8, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Eleksyon 2022 will be held on May 9. — BM, GMA News