Comelec allows barangay, SK officials to join May polls campaigns

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed all elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to participate in political activities for the May 12 midterm polls.

In a resolution released Friday, Comelec stated that these officials are exempt from prohibitions against engaging in partisan political activities.

This exemption is based on a Supreme Court ruling which limits the prohibition to civil service officers and employees but does not include elected officials.

The resolution specifies that while elected officials can participate in campaigns, they must refrain from soliciting contributions from their subordinates or violating the Omnibus Election Code.

Comelec also clarified that non-civil servant government personnel, such as job order and contract of service workers, are permitted to engage in campaigning activities but remain liable for any prohibited acts.