DILG to mayors: Be neutral in issuing poll rally permits

MANILA,  Philippine — The Department of the Interior and Local Government has reminded incumbent local officials to remain “neutral” in issuing election-related rally permits, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s allegations that some politicos were denying the permit to their rivals.

In Memorandum Circular No. 2019-61 issued on Monday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año cited Commission on Elections rules which state that the only reason to deny a candidate’s or a political party’s rally permit application is if a similar application had already been approved.

“It is our duty to uphold free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections. Hence, compliance with existing election laws shall take precedence over personal interests,” Año said. —Jaymee T. Gamil