MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has some explaining to do concerning the mock polls.

In a letter to Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas, election watchdog Kontra Daya questioned the presence of an armed man inside one polling precinct.

“At this point, may we ask if there is specific authorization from the Comelec for this armed man to go inside a polling precinct during the mock election,” the group said.

Kontra Daya further asked the reason for the armed man’s presence.

“While it may be argued that taking pictures poses no harm, the fact that he has a long firearm with him sends a chilling effect on what may transpire on May 13, 2019,” the group noted.

Representatives from Kontra Daya went to Toro Hills Elementary School in Quezon City to observe the holding of mock polls last Monday.

The Comelec appears to be well aware of the problems, but not with the presence of the armed man, according to Kontra Daya.

Kontra Daya informed the Comelec that a man carrying a long firearm took pictures inside the precinct.

“While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are deputized to provide security to polling places, Comelec rules clearly state that it is unlawful for any officer or member of the AFP and the PNP to enter a polling place, or to stay within a radius of 50 meters from the polling place,” it said.

‘No politics’

Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair Alicia dela Rosa-Bala yesterday warned government officials and employees to refrain from engaging in partisan political activities as the May 13 midterm election draws near.

“No officer or employee in the civil service as well as any member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity, except to vote,” Bala said in a statement.

Bala said any government official or member of the police and the military who intervenes in any election campaign or engages in any partisan political activity shall be guilty of an election offense under Section 261 (i) of the Omnibus Election Code.

She aded that the CSC had even issued Resolution No. 1600298 dated March 29, 2016 to remind government workers to refrain from electioneering and partisan political activities.

The CSC, however, clarified that government workers “may still express views on political matters.”

The CSC warned that those who will be found guilty of engaging directly or indirectly in partisan political activities will be meted with a penalty of one month to six months of suspension for the first offense and dismissal from the service for the second offense in accordance with the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service. – With Elizabeth Marcelo