Aid programs for Manila’s needy covered by Comelec exemptions — City admin

Manila City Administrator Bernie Ang on Sunday said that all programs initiated by Mayor Honey Lacuna since she assumed office in 2022 — and which continue to this day — are covered by an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), allowing the city government to carry them out as part of its regular functions.

Ang made the statement in response to media inquiries following the issuance of a show cause order (SCO) by the Comelec against Lacuna. He emphasized that the mayor has always acted lawfully and ensures that all her actions are transparent and aboveboard.

According to Ang, among the long-running programs under Lacuna’s administration is the Special Amelioration Program (SAP), which provides financial assistance to various sectors in the city. The initiative began when she took office in 2022 and has been implemented for several years now.

“To ensure the continuation of programs that benefit Manila residents, the city government requested an exemption from the Comelec,” Ang said. “This means the city asked the Commission to allow the continued distribution of such benefits, which are crucial for residents, and to exclude these from activities prohibited during the election period.”

Ang added that the request aligns with a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum directing local government units to seek Comelec approval for the continued provision of assistance — including cash aid — during the election season.

He also cited a similar incident in 2022 when the city government had to temporarily suspend monthly financial assistance for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and university students after a political opponent questioned the program. At that time, Lacuna was vice mayor and assumed the responsibilities of the city’s chief executive, as then-Mayor Isko Moreno was focused on his national campaign.

To prevent a repeat of the disruption, Ang said he wrote to the Comelec this year requesting permission and clarification on whether the city government could continue distributing aid to the same sectors — seniors, solo parents, PWDs, and students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and Universidad de Manila (UdM).

In the letter, City Hall sought an exemption to continue giving allowances to these vulnerable groups, which Ang said they rely on regardless of whether it is election season.

In response, Atty. Gregorio Bonifacio, Election Officer IV of Comelec, confirmed that such distributions may continue as long as they are not covered by Resolution 10747 — which outlines restrictions on fund usage during the election period. The resolution requires a certificate of exemption for social welfare programs to proceed during the campaign season.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affairs, through Elinor Jacinto, also sought legal guidance from the City Legal Office. The office concluded that the benefits in question are considered “routine and normal expenses” and have long been part of the city’s operations, making them exempt from Comelec restrictions.

“Because of what happened in 2022, the Lacuna administration made sure to apply for an exemption this time before resuming programs that Manila residents have long benefited from,” Ang said. “This means the programs are legal because they were not initiated solely during the election period. These benefits have been given for years and are considered part of the city’s regular expenditures.”

He emphasized that such aid differs from instances of distributing cash to public school teachers or handing out goods only during campaign periods.

Ang reiterated that Mayor Lacuna has not violated any law or regulation, pointing out that the city government properly secured the exemption to continue programs that serve residents — such as free medicine, health services, education, employment, and emergency assistance for victims of calamities and fires.