Comelec: Magpale can still hire and fire until March 28

THE Commission on Election said that the start of the election period last January 13 did not include the ban on hiring and firing of employees.

Cebu elections supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano made the clarification amid questions from the Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale if she can hire new employees to work in her office.

Acting Vice Governor Julian Daan wanted the employees of the vice governors office to remain in their assignments leaving the acting governor short of staff.

Castillano said the ban on hiring and firing of employees would only take effect on March 29, the start of the campaign period for local candidates. It will end midnight of May 11 or 24 hours before election day.

The election period however would last until June 12, 2013.

When the campaign period starts, Castillano explained, the Fair Election Act is in force.

”During the campaign period, the Fair Election Act is in force. But the prohibitions in the Omnibus Election Code are also in effect as the campaign period is within the election period,” he explained.

In the case of Magpale, Castillano said, she can hire an employees to fill the vacancies, but she cannot transfer employes especially those who are civil service elegible, unless she gets permission from the regional office of the Comelec.

Castillano said, it was good the office Acting Governor Magpale asked for their legal opinion so that they can also explain the rule.

“Mas maayo nuon aron kahatagan usab ug igong giya ang mga opisyales sa Gobyerno ug sa kapitolyo kalabot sa mga gidili nga mga buhat ning panahon sa Election period.”

(It is good so we can give proper guidance to government officials, especially in the Capitol on the do’s and don’ts during the election period.)