DILG warns local officials against using their names and photos on government assistance packages.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warns local officials against using their names and photos in government assistance packages.
In a report on Manila Bulletin, the DILG warned local government officials against using their names and photos in the distribution of government assistance packages to those who were affected by the re-imposition of ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
According to DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, the assistance coming from the PHP 22.9 billion fund ordered released by President Rodrigo Duterte shouldn’t be used for the 2022 elections.
Malaya said that violators will be held liable under Section 82 of the General Appropriations Act, which prohibited the use of the name, appearance, visage, signature, logo, or any other analogous image of any public official — whether elected or appointed — on all programs, activities, and projects of the government.
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Also, Malaya said that DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had already set the guidelines for the distribution of financial assistance of PHP 1,000 per individual, with a maximum of PHP 4,000 per family, to NCR Plus residents.
“Administrative charges under COA Circular 2013-004 may also be filed against public officials violating the said prohibition. The said COA Circular also prohibits the display of pictures, images, logos, initials, or any other graphic representation of the implementing officials in all government programs and projects,” the DILG said.
Malaya also revealed that the public may file complaints with the nearest DILG field office together with pictures and other documentary evidence in support of their claims.
He also said that safeguards were in place in order to ensure that the funds will get to the intended beneficiaries and that there’s an appeals process in the local government unit where people can submit their complaints.
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