MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) followed the order of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take down posters for its program that bears the face and name of senatorial candidate Christopher “Bong” Go.
In a statement, the DOH said it “strictly” complies with the rules that prohibit posting of any campaign materials related to its “Malasakit Center” program in all DOH-accredited hospitals.
“The DOH did not issue any instructions for DOH hospitals to use, distribute or post materials which feature the name or face of any person running in position,” the agency said.
It added: “We have reminded our medical center chiefs to immediately take down any visual displays of candidates that may be found in our facilities. We request the public to report to the DOH any sightings of such visuals that may be misconstrued as campaign materials favoring any candidate for the coming election.”
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said on Monday that they have sent notice to DOH to remove Go’s poster due to ban on propaganda materials in government-owned and controlled establishments.
Aside from government hospitals, politician’s posters were also not allowed in health centers, airports, piers and barangay halls since barangay officials are banned from campaigning candidates of the midterm polls, added Guanzon.
DOH’s Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop housing all concerned government agencies to make it easier and faster for poor and disadvantaged patients to avail themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government./PN
