ILOILO City – Local government officials running this May 13 midterm elections must not neglect their duties to their constituents, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6.
“While we are indeed in an election period, they should not be remiss in their responsibilities as elected local officials,” said Engr. Ariel Iglesia, officer-in-charge of DILG-6.
The campaign period will start on March 29 yet so they must focus first on their jobs at hand, stressed Iglesia.
He observed that many local officials, especially those seeking reelection or running for another post, have started making themselves visible in communities.
But determining if these officials are already campaigning or still doing their jobs as public officials is tricky, he said.
“Mahirap mag-judge na hindi sila naka-focus sa trabaho kasi maaring sabihin lang na sila ay umiikot rin kasi part ng kanilang governance,” said Iglesia.
He, however, clarified that DILG’s role in the midterm elections is “limited” as the polls are basically the domain of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
What the DILG can do to help Comelec is disseminate information on, for example, the schedules of activities related to the midterm elections and constantly remind local officials to continue working.
Anyone who has concerns on public officials, especially those running in the midterm polls, better seek assistance from “competent authorities” such as the Office of the Ombudsman, said Iglesia./PN
