Manila, April 15 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that election candidates are prohibited from visiting or participating in any of its programs related to the 123rd Labor Day celebration.

DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib said Tuesday that this restriction aligns with guidelines issued by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma regarding agency activities during the election period.

"All DOLE-related activities must be conducted in designated areas free from political aspirants and campaign paraphernalia, including posters, banners, and tarpaulins promoting candidates," Gutib said during a press conference here.

Requests from political candidates to participate in DOLE-related activities will not ...