The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed several important social welfare programs run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to continue during the election period.
This decision ensures that essential services are not interrupted.
Even though there is usually a ban on spending public money 45 days before elections.
Programs That Are Exempt
Under Section 261 (v) (2) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), the Comelec approved the exemption of various DSWD programs.
These programs include:
- Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)
- Services for Residential and Center-based Clients
- Supplementary Feeding Program
- Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens
- Protective Services for Individuals & Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances (PROPER)
- Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons
- Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens
- Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP)
- LAWA and BINHI Project
- KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community-Driven Development Projects and Cash-for-Work Programs
- Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project
- Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare
The exemption allows these essential social welfare initiatives to continue during the election period, ensuring that vital services reach those in need without interruption.
Rules to Follow
To prevent these programs from being used for political gain, the Comelec has set some rules:
- No Politics Involved: Politicians cannot be involved in distributing aid. They are not allowed to attend events where aid is given to keep things fair.
- Guidelines Must Be Followed: The DSWD must create and enforce strict rules for these programs. These rules must be sent to the Comelec for approval.
- Regular Reporting: The DSWD must regularly report how money is being spent to ensure transparency and compliance with election laws.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized that these rules must be followed.
If not abided, the exemption could be revoked, and legal action could be taken.
This is Comelec’s commitment to keeping elections fair.
The DSWD is grateful for the exemption, saying it ensures that vital services continue to reach those who need them most during the election period.
The department is committed to providing uninterrupted service to the poor and vulnerable.
Overall, these exemptions balance the need to uphold election laws with the need to keep essential services running during elections.
The exemption allows essential programs to continue operating, ensuring that aid reaches those in need without disruption, even during the election period
These programs provide essential services such as livelihood assistance, food aid, and financial support to vulnerable sectors. The Comelec granted exemptions to ensure that these services remain uninterrupted despite the election period.
The election spending ban, as stated in Section 261 (v) (2) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds 45 days before a regular election to prevent the misuse of government resources for political advantage.
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