Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted an exemption to 12 programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the restrictions on the release of public funds leading up to the May 12 midterm elections.
According to Philippines News Agency, Memorandum No. 25-01080, revealed on Tuesday, permits the disbursement of public funds for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and 11 other social service initiatives. The exemption also ensures that elective officials and candidates remain prohibited from participating in distribution activities associated with these projects from March 28 to May 11, during the election spending ban period.
The exemption includes programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances Proper. Additionally, the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons is covered under this exemption.
Other exempted initiatives are the Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens; LAWA and BINHI Project, KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community Driven and Development projects and Cash for Work programs; Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project; and Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare. These initiatives are required to remain free from influencing the electoral process.
To ensure adherence to the guidelines, the DSWD must invite city or municipal election officers to observe the distribution activities. Furthermore, the DSWD is obligated to submit periodic written reports detailing the disbursements made in connection with these exempted projects to the Office of the Regional Election Director.
The Omnibus Election Code mandates a prohibition on the release and expenditure of public funds within 45 days preceding an election.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed gratitude towards the Comelec's decision, highlighting that it ensures continuous support for impoverished and marginalized Filipinos. He stated, in an interview in Navotas City, the importance of the exemption in fulfilling the agency's mandate despite the election ban.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao affirmed the agency's dedication to adhering to the poll body's terms as outlined in Memorandum No. 25-01080. She reassured the public that DSWD would maintain its commitment to a clean and transparent election, ensuring that its policies and guidelines prevent any political interference in their programs.
