DOLE clarifies: TUPAD not affiliated with candidates, parties

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday night clarified that its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program is not affiliated with any candidate or political party.

As the 90-day campaign season for national candidates — senators and party-list organizations — started 11 February, the Labor department reminded the public that TUPAD Program is a community-based package of assistance that provides a safety net to disadvantaged workers aged 18 years old and above through temporary wage employment.

"The TUPAD, as a program, is not part of any electoral exercise. It is not affiliated nor associated with any candidate or political party, including Party-List participating in the May 12, 2025, National and Local Elections," DOLE said in an advisory.

It also appealed to the public to report any unauthorized use of the program to DOLE.

"Officers and employees in the civil service are also expected not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political campaign," it added.

"For reports, complaints, and inquiries, please contact the nearest DOLE Regional Office, call 𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟯𝟰𝟵, or visit our website at 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲.𝗴𝗼𝘃.𝗽𝗵."

The TUPAD Program is implemented through Direct Administration by the DOLE or Co-Partners.

Last year, the Commission on Elections exempted nine DOLE programs from the election ban, including the TUPAD Program.

In Memorandum No. 24-07945, the poll body approved the request of Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to allow the continued implementation of its social services programs during the election period.

Other exempted programs are: Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Government Internship Program (GIP), JobStart Philippines Program (JSP), Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), and Workers Organization Development Program (WODP).

Also included are the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) which covers TUPAD, Financial Assistance Program to Distressed Migratory Sugarcane Workers (MSW), Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), and EnTSUPERneur Program.

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds within 45 days before a regular election.

Comelec Resolution No. 11060 also bans the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services projects from the period of 28 March to 11 May.