Government vehicles used in Team Rama rally
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Gringo Honasan raise the hand of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama during the UNA proclamation rally at Plaza Independencia. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
GOVERNMENT vehicles loaded with food and mineral water were seen parked near Plaza Independencia where the party of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama held a rally as the opening salvo of their campaign.
A Toyota Hilux with red plate SKV 577 was parked outside the Waterfront Police Station loaded with food and gallons of mineral water at around 7 p.m.
Someone was seen distributing the food packs to the rally participants, who were wearing shirts identified with Team Rama.
Outside the Plaza Indenpedencia, other government vehicles including another Toyota Hilux and barangay vehicles from Babag, Poblacion Pardo and Kalubihan were also parked.
Some supporters had a torch parade including a group bringing placards supporting former mayor Alvin Garcia who is running for congressman in the north district and son Raymond who is running for councilor in the north district.
Some supporters were also bringing food packs and juice.
An old man from Ermita refused to name the person who gave him his food and his TEAM Rama shirt, saying “gikan ni sa barangay (this came from the barangay).”
A woman was busy checking the attendance of the supporters under the acacia tree inside the Plaza. Some people were also on the edge of the park checking the attendance of a group of supporters that just arrived.
Two election officials said using government vehicles in the campaign is prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.
“Using of government vehicle is an election offense,” said current Cebu provincial election supervisor Eliseo Labaria.
Labaria said government vehicles should be used for government purposes only. He added that giving food during rallies is not also allowed.
Cebu City north district election officer Marchel Sarno echoed Labaria’s statement about the use of government vehicles during campaigns, saying “Bawal gyod na siya sa kampanya (It is prohibited in the campaigns).”
Both Sarno and Labaria said any person aggrieved by these acts can file a complaint directly to the Comelec office which has jurisdiction over the candidates.
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