Politicians warned against ‘interfering’ in govt programs, especially during campaign season
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 07:39:34 +0000
THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has prohibited all local officials and politicians from attending payouts of programs and activities by national government agencies, especially during the campaign season.
Janathan Malaya, DILG spokesman, cited the Code of Conduct for government officials, which requires them, as well as employees, to be more circumspect in their activities.
“Huwag po tayong magpa-epal sa mga proyekto ng gobyerno lalo na ngayong panahon ng kampanya (Let us not interfere with government projects, especially this campaign season),” Malaya said in a statement.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has issued a memorandum circular prohibiting all local elective officials and politicians in general from “interfering or even attending payouts and related activities” of the agencies under the national government, “which could be used as a platform to advance their political interests,” Malaya said.
All officials of local government units (LGU) should also observe “high standards of personal conduct in their actions,” with Año also citing Section 4 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The section also imposes on every government official and employee to uphold public interest over and above their own.
Malaya revealed the DILG has received reports from various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), wherein some local officials were “exerting undue influence over the payouts of government programs and activities for the purpose of indirectly endorsing their own candidacies” for the midterm elections in May.
He also pointed out that some politicians had attempted to “hijack” the distribution of DSWD’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program.
“Just like a political rally, candidates including incumbent LGU officials reportedly spoke with their campaign posters splattered in the distribution area,” Malaya said.
“The payouts of the DSWD, among other programs, is apolitical. We cannot and will not tolerate any politician to speak during the release of assistance. The payout cannot be linked to any candidate or political party,” he added. DEMPSEY REYES
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