Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the exemption granted to several aid-related projects of the provincial government of Batangas amounting to PHP273 million amid fears that they could be used to influence voters.

According to Philippines News Agency, in an en banc decision dated April 21, the Comelec revoked the exemption previously granted by its Law Department to the provincial government of Batangas in connection with the distribution of financial assistance during the election period. The poll body also directed its Law Department to look into the allegations raised by the group Progressive Allied Batangue±os (PAB) in its complaint and to immediately submit the findings to the en banc.

In an interview on Thursday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the revocation of the exemption does not imply any wrongdoing. "We are not saying that there was abuse. There is nothing like that. We are just saying that the accusations and allegations are serious and we want to see how the amount requested for exemption from us was spent," he said.

PAB earlier contested the recommendation of the Comelec Law Department to approve Governor Hermilando Mandanas' request to exempt several aid-related projects from the election spending ban. Mandanas is running for Batangas vice governor in the May 12 elections.

"They (Batangas provincial government) should explain the accusation in their letter to us. In the meantime, the Comelec has chosen to suspend the implementation of the exemption and stop the spending of the funds," Garcia said. PAB, in its complaint, expressed concern that the rollout of the programs during the campaign period would give Mandanas an undue advantage over his opponents in the race for vice governor of the province.

Among the affected projects are the cash for work and hot meals for Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Taal Volcano victims, scholarship and education assistance, and employment assistance program.