IN THE WEE hours of Wednesday, I tinkered with my laptop, attempting to write a story, backspacing, lingering, lost in thoughts. Darn!
By the time I woke up and read the news, this story hit me: “COMELEC OKs request to transfer ‘incompetent’ PhilHealth officials.” And so, the story progresses.
At first, I couldn’t quite comprehend the role of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on the matter. Like what? What’s the connection! Then, it dawned on me as I read the entire article that it’s the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) period, hence, the prohibition of transfer of government employees.
Nevertheless, an exemption was granted to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa who requested the reassignment of seven PhilHealth officials due to “loss of confidence.” This loss of confidence stemmed from the seven executive committee members’ “observed incompetence, gross negligence, and ineffective leadership” which has “directly and adversely impacted” PhilHealth. Ouch! That is staggering and yet appropriate! Because up until now I still couldn’t pay my voluntary PhilHealth contribution.
The October 16 memorandum, signed by COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia, also states that the transfer falls under the exemptions in the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the transfer of government employees during the current BSKE.
Like I said, during a crisis, the rule of thumb is: Own the problem; The buck stops with you. Passing the blame is crappy and cowardly. The reassignment runs from August 28 to November 29, this year. So, this must be retroactive in nature.
In a letter approved by Herbosa, PhilHealth also disclosed that it has been “facing critical operation needs.” I wonder what these needs are and why they weren’t addressed earlier especially if it impacts operations.
According to the news, “On October 10, hackers breached the PhilHealth database and reportedly stole the personal data of millions of its members.” The story further disclosed that PhilHealth initially downplayed reports of the hacking incident before the National Privacy Commission. If you ask me, downplaying is an anathema to good crisis management. It’s sheer bad governance.
Let’s all hope this crisis will be over soon because PhilHealth’s services have been interrupted since September 22, 2023. And that’s very bad.
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BSKE
Yesterday, Thursday, marked the beginning of the campaign period for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections slated on October 30, 2023. Campaign period runs from October 19-28, 2023.
Expectedly, the COMELEC this week reiterated strict prohibitions for the upcoming campaign period. For starters, in an urgent memorandum, the COMELEC warned anew against wrong-sized campaign materials including billboards, tarpaulins, and individual posters exceeding two by three feet in common poster areas.
I remember when I joined the political exercise in 2022, I had to strictly comply with the campaign material sizes prescribed by the election body.
“In case there are unlawful campaign materials posted on public and private properties, the Election Officer shall send a notice to remove; and a show cause order to the concerned candidates,” the memorandum read.
Comelec Chairperson Garcia explained that BSK bets shall be the ones liable once election officers find unlawful campaign materials in common poster areas, public, and even private places. “Notices (will be) addressed to candidates, not to the property owners.
The nationwide Operation Baklas (removal of illegal campaign materials), meanwhile will be done from October 20 to 27, the memorandum further stated.
Now, this is particularly important and worth remembering by candidates and voters.
Campaign sorties prohibition:
* The Comelec reiterated prohibitions under the presumption of vote buying including the distribution of food or drinks to supporters during campaign sorties;
* Giving of T-shirts, ballers, bags, sun visors, hats/caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ball pens, fans, candies, and others of value is strictly prohibited, including giving of food and drinks during and after a meeting or campaign sortie;
* Only the candidate and five individuals among his or her campaign staff are allowed to wear shirts with the candidate’s picture; and
* The Comelec earlier said that all BSK bets must limit their campaign expenditure to PHP5 per voter. This means that complaints related to illegal campaigns, premature campaigning, or even vote buying may result in a candidate’s disqualification or election offense.
Meanwhile, BSKE bets, may utilize online platforms to conduct their campaign rallies. “Livestreaming on the candidates’ social media platforms shall be considered a form of e-rallies.” In addition to social media platforms, BSK bets may campaign on “television, cable television, radio, newspaper, or internet,” subject to campaign rules.
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. She can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
