Comelec exempts DMW programs from spending ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) an exemption from the election spending ban for its welfare and reintegration programs.

In a memorandum, Comelec approved the DMW’s request to continue implementing seven of its key programs. These include the distribution of the AKSYON Fund, the "Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir" program, the "Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!" program, the Livelihood Development Assistance Program, and the Kalinga Wellness and Psychosocial Support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

DMW’s local employment facilitation programs and job fairs were also exempted from the ban.

To prevent the misuse of public resources for electioneering, Comelec attached specific conditions to the exemption. These include the absence of political candidates during aid distribution, strict compliance with Department of Social Welfare and Development guidelines, and the submission of regular reports to Regional Election Directors.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac first appealed for the exemption in January, emphasizing the need to ensure uninterrupted delivery of legal, medical, and emergency services, particularly overseas deployment, which he said cannot be delayed due to the urgency of migrant worker needs.

Under Section 261 (V) of the Omnibus Election Code, the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social services is prohibited from 28 March to 11 May — 45 days before the 12 May elections.

As of March 2025, a total of 40,951 OFWs have received assistance through the DMW’s reintegration programs, according to thUndersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Felicitas Bay.