THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to engage in partisan political and campaign activities for the 2025 elections.
According to Minute Resolution 24-1001, Comelec exempts elected barangay and SK officials from the ban on participating in election campaigns or partisan political activities.
This decision aligns with a Supreme Court ruling stating that the prohibition only applies to civil service officers and employees, not elected officials.
However, the exemption comes with restrictions.
Barangay and SK officials cannot solicit contributions from subordinates or engage in acts prohibited under Section 261(i) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
Comelec also clarified that job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in the government are exempt from the prohibition against participating in political activities, as they are not classified as civil service personnel.
Nonetheless, the poll body warned that using public funds or government resources to employ JO and COS workers for election campaigns or partisan activities is still prohibited. Violators will face legal consequences.
