Comelec exempts 12 cash aid programs from poll spending ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) request to exempt P32.27 billion worth of funding for 12 social aid programs from the election spending ban. This decision ensures the continuation of vital assistance programs during the 45-day campaign period leading to the May 2025 midterm elections.

In a memorandum order approved by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia on 20 February, the poll body granted an exemption for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap), amounting to P12,633,600,000. This exemption follows a previous request by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on 16 January, which secured an exemption for P882 million worth of Akap funds and 27 other programs.

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds, as well as the implementation of social service programs, 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election. This restriction aims to prevent the use of government resources for political gain.

However, Comelec made an exception for DSWD’s programs, emphasizing that the exemption does not cover the distribution of Akap, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations), and 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) from 2 to 12 May 2025, except for medical and burial assistance.

Furthermore, the order strictly mandates that no incumbent officials, aspirants, or candidates shall be present during the distribution of aid to prevent potential electioneering.

Chairman Garcia assured the public that Comelec would closely monitor the implementation of these programs. "We have set conditions to ensure that the DSWD properly implements these aid programs...The list of beneficiaries must not come from politicians or candidates." he said in a dzBB interview on Wednesday.

Garcia also warned that any misuse of these social services for political purposes could result in the withdrawal of the exemption. "If we see violations not only in one place but in different parts of our country, that will be our ground for withdrawing the exemption itself," he added.

The other DSWD cash aid programs granted exemption are as follows:

1. Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens (P1,499,575)

2. KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community Driven and Development (CDD) projects and Cash for Work (CFW) programs (P98,386,122)

3. LAWA and BINHI Project (Local Adaptation to Water Access-Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) (P503,608,723)

4. Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare (P100,000,000)

5. Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (P28,287,223.85)

6. Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances – PROPER (P5,400,000)

7. Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (P1,232,000)

8. Services for Residential and Center-based Clients (P2,125,467,125.25)

9. Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (P15,371,768,260.74)

10. Sustainable Livelihood Program (P216,125,000)

11. Supplementary Feeding Program (P1,187,351,574.08)