The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt its transportation assistance programs from the ban on using public funds during the upcoming barangay elections.

In a letter to the electoral body, the LTFRB cited its Service Contracting Program (SCP), Fuel Subsidy Program (FSP), and Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) as programs that should be allowed to continue during the election period.

LTFRB acting chairman Atty. Greg Pua Jr. said the programs were not election-related but were intended to help cushion the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East.

Pua said exempting the programs from the public-fund ban would allow the government to continue providing transportation assistance amid the fuel crisis.

“The subject programs are continuing government programs and are not election-related or partisan activities. They are implemented pursuant to existing laws, appropriations, policies, and program guidelines,” Pua wrote.

No ayuda allowed

Through a resolution promulgated on 5 August, Comelec said it would prohibit the “release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds” in various social welfare programs.

Cited programs included the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).