The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday warned violators of the ban on hiring and movement of personnel during election period.

The Comelec Law Department issued the reminder after receiving complaints of violations of the ban which is prohibited under Comelec Resolution No. 10742, in accordance with Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

It said one of the complaints involved officials of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) -- newly-appointed Secretary Atty. Guiling Mamondiong, his Chief of Staff Atty. Manggay Guro Jr., and NCMF Executive Director Tahir Lidasan Jr. for issuing orders that are allegedly contrary to Sec. 261(g) of the OEC.

According to the complaint, Mamondiong allegedly created the positions of Assistant Bureau Director, Assistant Regional Director, and Assistant Service Directors.

It also cited the Comelec’s premature termination of contracts of job order employees.

It said Mamondiong also appointed job order employees and reportedly replaced incumbent heads of offices and appointed their replacements.

The Law Department is currently investigating the complaint whether the NCMF violated the provisions of election law.

The Comelec has the Constitutional mandate to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election.

The poll body called on all concerned officials of government agencies and instrumentalities to stringently obey election laws and regulations.

It added that election offenses carry the penalty imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. (PNA)

(Photo credits to: Unbox PH)