Politicians are prohibited from using their names and photos in the distribution of ayuda of assistance to indigent Filipino families in areas under lockdown or ECQ, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Tuesday.
Those who will use the aid program to boost their 2022 political plans can be held liable, the DILG said citing a section of the General Appropriations Act which prohibits the use of any public official's name, photo, or logo on government projects.
“The use of the ayuda for partisan political purposes for the 2022 national elections is strictly prohibited," DILG spokesperson Usec. Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.
"The DILG will not tolerate the politicization of government aid or tolerate the practice when we see it or made aware of it,” he said.
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It has long been part of transactional politics in the country for government projects and relief goods to bear the name or photo of politicians.
The public can submit complaints of ayuda used for politicking to DILG field offices, Malaya said. The public is encouraged to attach photo evidence.
Some P23 billion has been set aside for the ayuda which will benefit Filipinos in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal--areas under the enhanced community quarantine.
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