Transfer, suspension of government workers banned

CEBU, Philippines — As the election period officially starts, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned against the transfer and reassignment of government employees.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said transfer and re-assignment and suspension of officials and employees are now prohibited.

“Again, babala sa lahat local government units or national at iba pang ahensya, kailangan mag-secure kayo ng exemption upang mapayagan kayo na maglipat, suspend or transfer ng mga nasa pamahalaan,” Garcia said.

“Simula ngayon hanggang June 12, kailangan may pahintulot ng Comelec,” he added.

Garcia, however, noted that the prohibition against imposing punishment or suspension on government officials excludes the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Office of the Ombudsman, he said, can proceed with its function without the need to secure exemption from Comelec.

The poll chief clarified that there is still no suspension on public works and social services at this time.

Garcia said the spending ban on public works and social services shall only begin 45 days prior to election day.

Thus, he said, the exemption granted by the Comelec to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall only take effect in March.

According to Garcia, the start of the election period on Sunday, January 12, was generally peaceful.  Although the election period has already started, Garcia said, the campaign period is yet to begin.

“So yong issue na napakalaking tarpaulins at billboards at tv, radio, and social media hindi pa sila covered ng prohibitions,” he said. –/FPL (FREEMAN)