Baguio city: The city government will tighten its policy of barring politicians from all of its aid distribution activities. 'It will prohibit the presence and personal attribution of public officials during the distribution of financial assistance, relief goods, subsidies, and similar forms of government aid in a bid to ensure that social services are delivered in a strictly non-partisan and institutional manner,' Councilor Yuri Weygan said in a media interview on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in January, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the strict nationwide enforcement of the anti-epal policy, directing all local government units (LGUs) and DILG offices to immediately remove the names, images, and likenesses of public officials from all government-funded projects, programs, activities, and properties.
Under the measure, public officials, whether elected or appointed, including barangay officials involved in city-funded programs, are prohibited from being physically present during the actual distribution of assistance. They are also barred from handing out the aid, speaking during distribution events, posing with beneficiaries, or engaging in any activity that may create the impression of personal involvement in the release of government assistance.
The assistance includes financial aid, relief goods, subsidies, scholarships, medical aid, burial support, livelihood assistance, and similar benefits to identified beneficiaries. 'This is to prevent the misconception that the aid was provided through personal funds of the official,' he said.
Only official identifiers, such as the city seal, program name, implementing office, and necessary transparency information, are permitted. Violators will be meted with a PHP5,000 fine per violation, along with administrative sanctions, such as reprimand, suspension, or dismissal, depending on the gravity of the offense. Cases may also be elevated to the Civil Service Commission and the Commission on Elections during the election period when applicable.
