LOCAL government officials and employees are free to declare their support or opposition to the proposed cityhood of Baliwag in Bulacan, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.
Comelec Resolution No. 10851 states that local officials of Baliwag, Bulacan are not prohibited from campaigning for or against Republic Act No. 11929, which seeks to convert the municipality into a city.
“All government officials and employees as well as those in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters, may publicly express their opinions on any issues related to the plebiscite,” it said.
However, the poll body said Comelec personnel and officials are banned from publicly giving their positions on the issue.
“In order to maintain an independent and non-partisan status, all Commission officials and its deputies are prohibited from publicly expressing their opinion on any issue related to the plebiscite,” it added.
Similarly, it said all members of all Plebiscite Committees (PlebCom) must remain neutral on the issue.
“No member of the PlebCom shall, directly or indirectly, take part in the plebiscite, except to discharge the member’s duties as such, and to vote,” said the Comelec.
The poll body issued the reminder as the Information and Campaign Period for the December 17 plebiscite is set to begin on Thursday, November 17. It will run until December 15, 2022.
During this period, civic, professional, religious, business, youth and any other similar organizations may hold symposia, public rallies, or meetings to enlighten the voters of Baliwag, Bulacan on the plebiscite issues, and to campaign for or against the ratification of Republic Act No. 11929.
