By JEN BAYLON

A public school teacher designated as chairman of the electoral board in Negros Occidental’s Moises Padilla town is now facing a formal complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after being accused of participating in a partisan political meeting.

Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Adrian Villaflor filed the complaint with Comelec-Negros Occidental, alleging that the teacher, who teaches at Magallon Cadre Elementary School, attended and solicited support during a meeting with coordinators and family leaders allied with Villaflor’s opponent in the upcoming polls.

Villaflor cited violations of Article 55, Chapter 7 of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and Section 261 of Article 22 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibit government employees from engaging in partisan political activities.

The CSC and election laws strictly enforce political neutrality among public servants, especially during election periods.

The complaint, filed on Tuesday, May 6, was also furnished to the local election office, the CSC, and the Department of Education.

Villaflor noted that while there have long been rumors of similar conduct, this is the first time a formal complaint has been lodged.

Government employees, including teachers serving on electoral boards, are reminded that any form of electioneering or partisan activity is an election offense and may result in administrative and criminal sanctions./JB, WDJ