Benitez Opposes Comelec Order on JO Campaigning

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – “I don’t agree.”

This was the reaction of Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez when asked about the Commission on Elections’ recent resolution allowing government personnel who are non-civil servants, including job order (JO) workers, to participate in campaign activities for the midterm elections.

Benitez said he had previously consulted the Civil Service Commission and was told such activity is prohibited.

He emphasized that JO workers, although not civil service eligibles, are still paid by the city government.

“The fact remains that the city pays for their employment,” he said.

“Is it proper to use them in campaigning activities 24/7?”

Benitez said he would not follow the Comelec’s resolution on the matter.

“I would still ask the JOs to stay away from campaigning because the city’s money should not be used to campaign for anybody,” he said.

Earlier this year, Benitez directed department heads to refrain from using JO casual employees as political tools.

On March 21, the Comelec issued Minute Resolution 24-1001, which allows all elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to participate in political and campaign activities for the 2025 elections.

The resolution cites a Supreme Court ruling that the prohibition on campaigning applies only to civil service officers and employees and does not include elected officials.

The local campaign period runs from March 28 to May 10.