‘NOT SO FAST’: COMELEC Warns Barangay, SK Officials: No State Resources for Campaigns

By Mariela Angella Oladive and Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Iloilo City has reminded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials not to use public resources for partisan political activities during the campaign period.

Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno emphasized that government funds, equipment, and personnel must not be used to support any candidate.

“Barangay officials are prohibited from using government resources,” Sayno said in a March 25 interview.

He said this includes vehicles, computers, speakers, and personnel who receive salaries from the government.

Sayno warned that election offenses may be filed against officials who misuse state resources.

Complaints may be submitted to the Iloilo City COMELEC Office on the second floor of Angeles Arcade Building along Mabini Street, Iloilo City Proper.

The reminder follows COMELEC Minute Resolution 24-1001, issued March 21, which allows elected barangay and SK officials to engage in partisan activities.

The resolution is based on a Supreme Court ruling stating that the prohibition on electioneering applies only to civil service officers and employees—not elected officials.

However, Sayno clarified that this exemption is limited and does not allow use of public property or solicitation of support from subordinates.

He cited Section 261(i) of the Omnibus Election Code, which outlines election offenses related to coercion and misuse of influence or resources.

Sayno also noted that Section 8(f)(5) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11086, implementing the Fair Election Act, prohibits posting or displaying campaign materials in schools, government offices, barangay halls, public structures, and similar properties.

He said even though officials may now openly campaign, they must not use government-owned spaces like barangay halls, tanod outposts, or gyms for propaganda materials unless designated as common poster areas.

Sayno urged officials to ensure equal access to barangay facilities.

He said use of public venues like barangay gyms for campaign events must follow a fair, first-come, first-served policy.

Candidates must obtain a permit from the local government and submit a copy to COMELEC and local police before conducting rallies.

Barangay officials are prohibited from unjustly denying candidates access to public venues.

“If multiple candidates request the same venue on the same day, COMELEC will step in to mediate,” Sayno said.

Candidates who are denied a permit must receive written notice of disapproval from the barangay captain.

They may then appeal to COMELEC, which will set an appointment to resolve the issue.

“There must be a valid reason for refusal,” Sayno added.

He said even indigents employed under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program cannot be tasked with campaign activities during working hours.

This comes after media reported images of TUPAD workers allegedly posting campaign materials for a local political group.

“Using their compensation for political activity is an abuse of state resources,” Sayno said.

“They may only engage in such activities after working hours, just like job order or contract-of-service workers.”

Sayno reiterated that although elected officials are now allowed to campaign under Resolution 24-1001, their actions must remain within legal and ethical boundaries.

He urged all candidates and supporters to comply with election laws to ensure a clean and fair campaign period.

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

COMELEC is forming an Operation Baklas task force to remove illegal campaign materials.

The task force will include representatives from COMELEC, the Philippine National Police, Task Force ASIS, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the City Prosecutor’s Office, and the City Engineering District Office.

Since the start of the national campaign period on Feb. 11, more than 1,000 illegally placed posters for senatorial and party-list candidates have been taken down in Iloilo City.