Philippine Red Cross advises

candidates not to distribute relief goods

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The local Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recently advised local candidates to not distribute relief goods during the ongoing campaign period.

In a letter signed by PRC-Negros Occidental Chapter Administrator Rita Benita Mirasol, under the Omnibus Election Code Article XII, Section 261 V, “No candidate or his or her spouse or member of his family within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity shall participate, directly or indirectly, in the distribution of any relief or other goods to the victims of the calamity or disaster.”

The local Red Cross official stated she issued the advice in relation to recent disasters and PRC preparation on providing support during the campaign period.

She added, during the period, PRC will seek coordination and cooperation with the city’s local social welfare office and the disaster risk reduction management offices in discharging the provisions set forth under the said Election Code./DGB, WDJ