By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has authorized the Philippine National Red Cross to administer the relief efforts in Bohol.
However, the Commission en banc in Resolution No. 9804, said that all releases in relation to the relief and rehabilitation shall be turned-over to, administered and disbursed by the Philippine National Red Cross through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) including the respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC).
The poll body said that no relief or other goods for distribution shall be released to any candidate for the Barangay Elections, especially incumbent Barangay Officials.
Likewise, family members of those running in the village polls, within the second civil of affinity or consanguinity are not allowed to participate in the distribution of any relief or other goods to the victims of calamity.
The Comelec warned that such act could be considered as vote buying, which is treated as an election offense.
“Any such participation shall likewise be treated as an election offense of ‘vote buying’ as defined by Section 261 (a) 1 and shall be a ground for disqualification under Section 68 of the same Code,” the resolution added.
On the other hand, poll body officials and employees in Bohol are mandated to monitor compliance to the Comelec Resolution.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the poll body’s election watchdog in the Barangay polls, is likewise called upon to assist the Comelec in the monitoring effort.