Comelec to poll bets: Observe responsible campaigning

Local

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on candidates to act responsibly and fairly in their campaigns as the 2025 midterm elections approach.

This follows allegations that a government-owned vehicle was used to transport campaign materials for the KUSUG-Panaghiusa coalition, led by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Atty. Jose “Joey” Daluz III.

In an interview on Tuesday, December 10, Comelec Regional Director Francisco Pobe discouraged candidates from actions that may undermine public trust.

“Let us take into consideration when you are going to run for public office, your intention is to serve. When you are going to serve, you must have to portray to the public that you are a role model and example,” he said.

Pobe clarified that premature campaigning is not considered an election offense in the Philippines due to the Supreme Court’s 2009 Peñera v. Comelec ruling.

Under this decision, a person is only deemed a candidate once the campaign period begins.

Regarding allegations of government vehicle misuse, Pobe stressed the importance of accountability among local government units (LGUs).

“If the local government unit violates, then this will also be another option on the part of any interested party to file a necessary complaint against those government officials or any private persons using government vehicles in the interest of their own private or personal use,” he said.

A photo circulating online showed a Barangay Sambag 1 truck, prominently displaying the Cebu City seal, being used to transport campaign materials in Barangay Tejero.

Councilor Jerry Guardo was seen directing workers unloading the materials.

Guardo denied the allegations, claiming he had rented a private vehicle for the task. However, Garcia, last Monday, later confirmed that the truck belonged to Barangay Sambag 1 and not the city government.

Garcia admitted he was unaware of the truck’s use and left the investigation to barangay officials. He emphasized that barangay and government vehicles must only be used for public purposes.

“Barangay vehicles just like city-owned vehicles cannot be used for private purposes, it always must be for a public purpose,” he said.

While Garcia acknowledged the incident, he saw no need for a formal investigation, urging barangay officials to address the matter internally and prevent similar actions in the future.

The misuse of government vehicles for campaign purposes violates Administrative Order No. 239, issued in 2008.

The order strictly prohibits the use of government resources for private or political activities and mandates their use exclusively for official duties and public service.(MyTVCebu)