Comelec: B'gay, SK execs can campaign for candidates

All elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials may engage in partisan political activities and campaigning activities in the May 12 polls, the Commission on Elections said.

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

"The Comelec resolves to exclude elected barangay and SK officials from the coverage of the prohibition against intervention in any election campaign or engagement in partisan political activities," Comelec Minute Resolution 24-1001 stated.

The Comelec explained that the exclusion is anchored on the Supreme Court ruling stating that the prohibition is limitedly applied to civil service officers and employees and does not include elected officials.

However, the Comelec noted, it is "subject to the limitation that they do not solicit contributions from their subordinates or subject them to any of the acts prohibited in the Omnibus Election Code."

In the case of government personnel that are non-civil servants, the poll body said they are also allowed to engage in campaign activities this election season.