ILOILO City – A brainchild of Mayor Jose Espinosa III, “Pag-ulikid sang Syudad” brings the city government’s frontline programs, projects and services closer to the barangays. Is its continuing implementation a violation of the prohibition on the release of public funds during the election period?
According to City Administrator Hernando Galvez, the city government’s community outreach program is not covered by election prohibitions, citing Section 9 of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) Resolution No. 10511.
“Ang mga aktibidad nga amo sini nga natabo na sang madugay na, continuous na sia,” said Galvez.
“Pag-ulikid sang Syudad” started in April last year yet.
Section 9 of Comelec Resolution No. 10511 lists the conditions that exempt programs and projects from prohibitions enumerated in the Omnibus Election Code.
Galvez said “Pag-ulikid” met these conditions:
* The projects / programs / activities (PPAs) sought to be implemented during the prohibited period of March 29, 2019 to May 12, 2019 were established before the said period and duly reported to the Commission on Audit pursuant to Circular No. 2013-004.
* The public awareness and information dissemination activities pertaining to these PPAs must conform to the guidelines provided under the Commission on Audit (COA) Circular.
* In no instance shall the implementation of PPAs be used as an opportunity by any candidate, his or her spouse, family member within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity, political parties, party-list organizations and their nominees to further their candidacy.
* Support for or endorsement of candidates, party-list organizations and political parties shall not be made as a condition for the entitlement of the benefits from the PPAs.
* Should the PPAs involve distribution of cash, goods or merchandise for scholarships, assistance for burial, healthcare, calamity and other similar programs, candidates, party-list nominees, their spouses, and members of their family within the second civil degree of affinity and consanguinity are strictly prohibited from participating.
According to Galvez, “Pag-ulikid is bringing the services of city hall directly to the barangays. Alang-alang mo ‘na untaton. Indi na sila covered kay gin-design ang Pag-ulikid may eleksyon man o wala para madala ang serbisyo direkta sa pumluyo.”
Under “Pag-ulikid”, the City Health Office offers free dental and medical services and free circumcision procedures. The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs provides identification cards for senior citizens. The City Veterinarian’s Office conducts free dog vaccinations. The City Civil Registry Office assists those who have issues with birth certificates and marriage contracts.
The community outreach program also offers free legal consultation, sports equipment and wheelchairs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Galvez dismissed allegations that candidates in the May 13 midterm elections were allowed to speak during “Pag-ulikid” activities.
“We know the law. The mayor is only there to grace the program, being the mayor. Inseparable ang mayor sa activity. Pero wala kita ga-allow sang other candidates. We make it a rule nga indi sila dapat mag-intra dira. Ang kampanyahanay nila, ila na ina diskarte but we never recognize nga part sang Pag-ulikid,” said Galvez./PN
