Election Task Force 2019

ADVISORY ON
ELECTIONEERING AND
PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY
For the 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections (NLE)
 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
(Joint COMELEC-CSC Circular 001 S.
2016)
• Advisory on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activity
• Aims to : (1) ensure members of the Civil Service and
Armed Forces remain focused on the discharge of their
duties and functions; (2) to do away with “spoils system”
(patronage); and (3) to shield from vagaries of politics
• PURPOSE: advise and remind everyone against any
electioneering (active/energetic) or any partisan political
activity
 Constitutional Prohibitions
• Article IX (B) Section 2, paragraph 4 1987 Constitution:
“No officer or employee in the Civil Service shall engage
directly, or indirectly in any electioneering or partisan
political campaign”

• Article XVI Section 5, paragraph 3 1987 Constitution: “The

Armed Forces shall be insulated from partisan politics”
 Statutory Prohibitions
• Section 261(i) Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 Omnibus Election
Code:
penalizes as election offenses intervention of public
officers and employees, except to vote or preserve public
order
• Book V Title I(A), Chapter , Section 55 E.O. 292 or
Administrative Code and Section 93 Local Government Code
(RA 7160) -- reiteration of the prohibition
 ELECTION CAMPAIG OR
PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY

Any act designed to promote the election or

defeat of a candidate(s) or political
party(ies) to public office
 Covered Activities
(RA 7160)
• Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or
other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes
and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate
/party;
• Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies,
parades or other similar assemblies, for the purpose of
soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or
propaganda for or against a candidate /party;
 Covered Activities
• Making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or
holding interviews for or against the election of any
candidate or party for public office ;
• Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials
designed to support or oppose the election of any
candidate/party; or
• Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for
or against a candidate/party
 Covered Activities
(CSC M.C. 30,S. 2009 citing CSC M.C. 40,S.
1998)
• Being a delegate to any political convention or
member of any political committee or directorate or
an officer of any political club or other similar
political organizations;
• Receiving any contributions for political purposes,
either directly, or indirectly; and
• Becoming publicly identified with the success or
failure of any candidate(s) or party (ies)
 Covered Activities
(CSC M.C. 09,S. 1992 )
• Wearing of t-shirts, pins, caps, or any other similar election
paraphernalia bearing the names of candidates and/or political
parties ;
• Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the
election;
• Consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and
continuous companionship with certain political candidates
and/or political party, making one closely identified with such
candidates or party;
 Covered Activities
(CSC M.C. 09,S. 1992 )
• Giving, soliciting, or receiving financial or monetary
contributions, supplies, equipment, and materials for the
benefit of a candidate and/or political party; and
• Being a watcher for a political party or candidate during the
election;
• Consistent presence in political rallies, caucuses of, and
continuous companionship with certain political candidates
and/or political party, making one closely identified with
such candidates or party;
 Covered Activities
(CSC M.C. 09,S. 1992 )
• Utilizing government resources such as personnel,
including job order or contract of service hirees,
time, and properties for political purposes;
 Covered Activities
(Jurisprudence)
• Distribution of handbills / leaflets (People vs De
Venecia (GR No. L-20808 31 July 1965);
• Attendance in meetings and political caucuses
(Trinidad vs. Valle A.M. No. 2258 CFI, 20 July 1981);
• Distribution of letters indicating intention to run for
public office (Vistan vs. Nicolas MTJ-87-79, 13
September 1991)
 IMPORTANT REMINDERS
(DEPED ORDER NO. 048, S. 2018 – 13 Nov. 2018)
• Prohibition on Electioneering and Partisan Political Activity
• DepEd officials and employees, teaching or non-teaching,
including third level officials;
• DepEd officials are prohibited from using position of
authority to influence personnel under their supervision or
jurisdiction to support any preferred candidate or political
party;
• Administrative and Criminal liabilities
 ACTS DEEMED EXCLUDED
FROM ELECTIONEERING OR PPA
• Casting one’s vote;
• Expressing views on current political problems or
issues ;
• Mentioning the names of candidates or parties
whom one supports;
• When performed only for the purpose of enhancing the
chances of aspirants for nomination for candidacy to
public office by a political party or coalition;
 ACTS DEEMED EXCLUDED
FROM ELECTIONEERING OR PPA
• Public expressions, opinions or discussions of probable
issues in the forthcoming election or on attributes of or
criticisms against probable candidates to be nominated in a
forthcoming political party or convention;
• Social media functions, i.e. “liking” “ commenting”
“sharing” re-posting or following a candidate’s or
party’s account unless these are resorted as a means to
solicit support for or against a candidate or party during
the campaign period;
 PERSONS COVERED
(even if he/she is on leave of absence)
• Members of the Civil Service (branches, subdivisions,
instrumentalities, agencies) of the Philippine
Government including GOCCs with original charters,
SUCs whether their appointments are permanent,
temporary, contractual or even casual;
• Career officers holding political offices in an acting or
OIC capacity;
• Uniformed and active members of the AFP and PNP
 PERSONS NOT COVERED
(as long as no contributions are solicited from subordinates
or subject them to any of the acts prohibited )

• President and Vice President;

• Cabinet members;
• Elective Public Officials, except barangay officials;
• Personal and confidential staff of the
abovementioned officials;
• Members of the reserved corps of the AFP
 OTHER RELATED ISSUES AND CONCERNS
(Gathered from Consultations)

• Consumption of FOOD/REFRESHMENTS - NO;

• Attending Political Meetings/Caucus – NO
• Use of School Grounds/Rooms as Venues - NO;
• Removal of Posters/Tarps – Principals ;
• When in doubt – play safe than sorry; PRUDENCE!
• Always consult with COMELEC, Election Officers
 IMPOSABLE PENALTIES!!!!!!!!!!
UNDER THE RRACCS:
• FIRST OFFENSE – Less Grave Offense: Suspension of1
month and 1 day to 6 months ;
• SECOND OFFENSE – DISMISSAL FROM THE SERVICE;
UNDER THE OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE:
• IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THEN 1 YEAR BUT NOT
MORE THAN 6 YEARS (No Probation) with DQ to hold
public office and DEPRIVATION OF RIGHT TO VOTE
Election Task Force 2019
ESTABLISHMENT OF 2019 ELECTION TASK FORCE
OPERATION AND MONITORING CENTER

For the 13 May 2019 National and Local Elections (NLE)

• DepED Election Task Force (ETF) Operation and Monitoring Center shall be established in
the Bulwagan ng Karunungan starting 1:00 p.m. of 12 May 2019 until 5:00 PM of 14 May
2019

• The center will ensure the close coordination and consultation between COMELEC and
DepED and its respective field offices. Legal, technical and other assistance to teachers on
issues, concerns and problems that may arise before, during and after the 13 May 2019 NLE
as well as coordination with other government agencies.

Important Dates:
 
11-12 May 2019 = Setup and Preparations
12 May 2019 Sunday 1:00 pm = Start of Operations/Monitoring
13 May 2019, Monday (24 hours) = Election Day
14 May 2019, Tuesday 5:00 NN = End of Operations/Monitoring
 Purpose

1. Maintain an Operation and Monitoring Center to document and report all teacher
and school-related issues and concerns before, during and after the Elections;
2. Ensure that teachers are provided with and/or referred to adequate information,
technical and legal assistance in the course of the performance of their duties as
members of the Electoral Board.
3. Serve as DepED’s institutional link to volunteer organizations and individuals.
4. Provide close horizontal and vertical coordination and consultation among DepED,
COMELEC and partner agencies involved in the 2019 NLE
5. Complement the other government agencies’ efforts for an honest, orderly, and
peaceful election
 Composition

The DepED-ETF shall be composed of the following

group/units:
 
1, Steering Group;
2. Operations and Legal Support Group;
3. Secretariat;
4. Call Center Monitoring Data Base Unit;
5. Logistics and External Coordination Mobile Unit;
Functions of the Different
Groups/Units
 Steering Group

1. Provide the overall policy direction of the E-TF in terms

of guidelines and priorities to be pursued;
2. Forge formal institutional linkages with partner
agencies, volunteer legal organizations and individuals;
3. Define the aims, goals and powers of the E-TF and
formulate the framework strategies and guidelines; and
4. Approve the work plan and appropriate resources to the
activities of the E-TF.
 Operations and Legal Support Group

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations and monitoring of

the center;
2. Render immediate recommendation and coordinates
directly with the Regional/Division Task Force
counterparts;
3. Supervise different units of the ET-F; and
4. Report directly to the Steering Group.
 Secretariat

1.  Provide E-TF with administrative and technical

support.
2. Prepare a daily summary report; and
3. Provide the Steering Group feedbacks and information
on issues and status of all the complaints submitted to
the ET-F.
 Call Center Monitoring Data Base Unit

1. Receive/consolidate all monitoring reports and advice

the appropriate E-TF unit;
2. Refer the complaint or issues to appropriate partner
government agencies or to any volunteer organization or
individual;
3. Keep track of the action undertaken on the complaint;
and
4. Record and provide feedbacks to the Operations Group.
 Logistics and External Coordination Mobile Unit

1. Deployment and delivery of logistical support

2. Hub of the DepEd’s coordination with the partner
government agencies;
3. Refers issues and complaints of teachers that can best
be addressed by partner government agencies.
 UPDATING PHASE

For on-going projects, Region or Division focal

person will update and provide progress of work
every month.
Vertical and Horizontal Linkages
 
National E-TF shall coordinate and communicate with
the Commission on Elections as well as other Partner
Agencies (PA) at the national level. Similar
communication and coordination should be established
by the regional and division E-TF with their
corresponding regional and local COMELEC and partner
agencies/ offices.
 Roles of the DepED E-TF:

1. Provide immediate assistance to teachers in need in their respective jurisdictions;

2. E-TFs at all levels have the prerogative to coordinate with the different concerned
government agencies at their levels. They shall also coordinate with appropriate partner
agencies/volunteer organizations/individuals and secure and ensure assistance to
teachers;
3. National and Regional E-TF shall maintain a monitoring system for all cases for their
respective areas;
4. Regional, Division, and District E-TF shall monitor and track down the resolution of
issues and concerns and provide regular feedback to the national E-Task Force on the
status of each case;
5. Issues shall be categorized based on the required assistance and the urgency of the
needs; and
6. Concerns that can be addressed at the regional or division level should be resolved at
their level before forwarding it to the national level.
Regional E-TF shall provide the National E-TF with a
summary report of all the complaints/incidence within their
jurisdiction. Division E-TF shall submit a summary report of
the complaints received for the day to the Regional E-TF.
 Location, Venue, and Logistics

1. The national operation and monitoring center will be set

up in the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central
Office;
2. The Central Office shall provide the operation center
with TV sets, fax machines, and desktops / laptops with
internet connections
3. Social Media Applications shall be utilized for real time
updates, i.e. twitter, instagram and facebook and other
relevant applications
 The E -TF shall also maintain the following in the center:

1. Election hotlines of partner agencies at the national

level, i.e. COMELEC and PNP, AFP and DILG;
2. Names, hotlines of COMELEC Regional and Provincial
Election Officer and Supervisor;
The members of the Election Task Force shall be composed of the officials
and employees of the DepEd Central Office. The Office of the
Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), and those who previously served
in the Election Task Force shall be given preference in the selection of the
members of the 2019 DepEd ETF.
ELECTION MONITORING
2019 ETF ction Monitoring
Office of the Undersecretary for Administration
Department of Education
 Pre-Election Day Report (button)

• There was an Orientation/Training conducted for the Electoral Board members?

TRUE OR FALSE
• Election Paraphernalia have been distributed already?
TRUE OR FALSE
• Transportation is available for Electoral Board members to the Voting Centers on Election
day?
TRUE OR FALSE
 Election Day Proper Report (button)

• The Polling Precincts opened on time?

TRUE OR FALSE
• The Electoral Board including Support Staff are complete?
TRUE OR FALSE
• The Electoral Board members are able to vote?
TRUE OR FALSE
• The voting is conducted in an orderly fashion and without incidence of flying voters?
TRUE OR FALSE
 After Election Day Report (button)

• The polls closed at exactly 6:00 pm TRUE OR FALSE

• There were no objections from the candidates nor from their lawyers to Electoral
Board decisions/resolutions?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were no Issues encountered in the transmission of election results?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were no Issues encountered in the printing of election results? TRUE
OR FALSE
• There were no issues with the Submission of Election Paraphernalia? TRUE
OR FALSE
• There were no issues with Transportation of Electoral Board from the Polling
precincts?
TRUE OR FALSE
 Allowance / Benefits Matters (button)

• Cash Cards have already been distributed? TRUE OR FALSE

• Received 50% of Transportation Allowance before 6am?
TRUE OR FALSE
• Received the remaining 50% of the Transportation Allowance after 6pm?
TRUE OR FALSE
 Teachers’ Health & Welfare Matters (button)

• There were NO unruly watchers or voters?

TRUE OR FALSE
• There were NO instances of food/refreshments distributed by candidates and/or political
parties?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were NO Electoral Board members who suffered injuries/accidents or heat
strokes?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were NO members of the Electoral Board threatened or harassed?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were NO incident of Threat/Harassments?
TRUE OR FALSE
• There were NO Accidents/Injuries?
TRUE OR FALSE
 School Building and Facilities (button)

• NO Tarpaulins, posters or other election materials inside school premises?

TRUE OR FALSE
• Available Accessible polling places (APP) and Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPP)
in schools?
TRUE OR FALSE
• No incident of Damage to School furniture in classrooms utilized as polling precincts?
TRUE OR FALSE
• No School/s destroyed /burned/damaged during election day?
TRUE OR FALSE
• No Damage to other school properties, toilets and other structures during the election?
TRUE OR FALSE
Submit/ Update Report on Server (button)
Other Incidents (button)
 
 
 
 
*All reports button have upload photo with description (like the
orig apk)
**Users can only log-in using their deped.gov.ph email address,
then search for their region, division then the school assignment.