Rama defies Comelec warning, gives out incentives to barangay officials

Barangay officials have already started receiving their incentives from the city government. (CDN PHOTO/ JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA)

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama distributed cash incentives to barangay officials on Tuesday morning, despite the warning from the Commission on Elections that he should get first clearance from the poll body before any release.

Each of the 80 barangay captains received P15,000 and P9,000 each for the barangay councilors. Barangay treasurers and secretaries got P6,000 each.

Distribution was held at the Mediterranean Room of the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Barangay Lahug in Cebu City on Tuesday.

Officials from 34 barangays in Cebu City’s south district and 15 from the north district came to claim their share of cash aid.

Rama insisted that there was no need for him to seek a Comelec exemption prior to the release of the incentives.

“Should government stop? We have to think about practicality. This is already a long time continuing,” Rama said.

Officials of barangays Labangon, Talamban, Pamutan, Bulacao, Tisa, Pahina San Nicolas, Pit-os, Inayawan, Sambag 2 and Pasil, who failed to show up during the distribution, could still claim their cash assistance at the City Treasurer’s Office, said Andy Borres, head of the city’s Barangay Affairs Unit.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier said that under the Omnibus Election Code, the release of funds during the campaign period is prohibited.

However, local officials can ask for exemption just like what the governor of Guimaras did when he asked for exemption to release medical and burial assistance.

Guanzon said even the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) asked for exemption for a cash transfer for the 4Ps program.

The Comelec en banc approved both requests for exemptions.