Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21) — An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned village officials against participating in the signature campaign to amend the Constitution via people’s initiative.
Interior Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito Valmocina said village officials should not campaign for charter change (Cha-cha).
“Hands off po tayo diyan. Ang DILG ay hindi puwedeng makialam…Wala pong instruction ang DILG na ang lahat ng LGU ay makialam dito po sa Cha-cha,” he said in a forum on Saturday.
[Translation: We have a hands-off policy toward it. The DILG cannot interfere…The DILG has not instructed local government units to interfere in Cha-cha.]
“Halimbawa po, ang isang barangay official, siya mismo ang bumababa at nagpapapirma sa mga tao, siyempre may violation na roon,” he added.
[Translation: For example, if a barangay official is gathering signatures, of course there is a violation.]
Valmocina also urged the public to report to the DILG the barangay officials participating in the Cha-cha signature drive.
“Lahat ng mga complaint, iyan naman ay inaaksiyunan namin at bina-validate namin,” he added.
[Translation: We will act and validate every complaint we receive.]
The People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (PIRMA), the group behind the signature campaign to push for charter change, has denied involvement in alleged payoffs and use of government programs to entice voters to support the move.
PIRMA said they only explain to voters that signing for the Cha-cha means supporting a unicameral legislature, opening up the economy, and allowing foreign investors to bring more money into the country.
Valmocina on Monday clarified that his warning to barangay officials is his personal take on the matter and does not reflect DILG’s official position.
