P273-M support program halted

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the implementation of various financial assistance programs worth P273 million that were proposed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, citing concerns of possible vote buying.

In an en banc decision issued on 21 April, the Comelec revoked the exemption it had previously granted to the Batangas provincial government, allowing the aid distribution to proceed during the election period.

The poll body also tasked its Law Department with investigating the allegations raised by the group Progressive Allied Batangueños (PAB), which filed a complaint against the recommendation to approve Mandanas’ request for exemption from the election spending ban. The investigation’s findings will be submitted to the en banc for further review.

The suspended programs include Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Cash for Work (P16.71 million), Emergency Assistance Service under the 20 percent Development Fund (P23.1 million), Job Fair (P150,000), Employment Assistance Program (P800,000), Assistance for youth sports activities (P32.46 million), Cash for Work for typhoon “Kristine” victims and Taal Volcano evacuees (P5 million), Hot Meals for disaster victims (P5 million), and Scholarship and Educational Assistance (P190 million).

PAB argued that rolling out these programs during the campaign period could unfairly benefit Mandanas in his race for vice governor of Batangas. The group raised concerns that the absence of clear guidelines for the aid distribution could lead to the improper influence of beneficiaries to vote for Mandanas.

Furthermore, PAB questioned the timing of the aid distribution, scheduled to occur during the height of the campaign period, and criticized Mandanas for his alleged failure to bring significant progress to Batangas during his nine years as governor.