The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to refrain from using state resources in campaigning for their bets in the midterm elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body’s approval for elected village officials to join partisan political and campaigning activities does not extend to the use of government resources for this purpose.

“You can support your candidates but don’t use public funds. That can be considered as abuse of state resources, which is a violation of the election laws,” he said in an interview.

At the same time, Garcia urged village officials to be fair toward candidates seeking the use of venues in their areas for campaigning.

“If you let the plazas and courts be used by the candidates you support, make sure they can also be used by those you don’t support. Let us issue permits to those requesting. That’s equal opportunity for all,” he said.

The campaign period for local bets starts on Friday, March 28, and runs until May 10. The 90-day campaign period of national bets started last February 11.

No ‘dagdag-bawas’

Meanwhile, Garcia assured the public that there will be no “dagdag-bawas” (vote padding, vote shaving) in the forthcoming polls.

“We guarantee to everyone, and to the general public, having dagdag-bawas will be impossible in an automated election system. For those with doubts, we are telling you, with all due respect, there is no basis to think there will be dagdag-bawas,” he said.

Garcia made the remark after Vice President Sara Duterte said her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has expressed fears of possible election fraud, particularly “dagdag-bawas,” in the midterm elections. (PNA)