The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted the fuel subsidy program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from its election ban on social services ahead of the 2 November Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia made the announcement Monday after the poll body began enforcing the statutory ban on public works and social welfare spending.

"The fuel subsidy provided by the LTFRB has been exempted from the ban," Garcia disclosed.

To recall, the LTFRB launched the subsidy drive to assist public utility vehicle operators and drivers struggling with volatile global fuel costs. The program introduced a P12 discount per liter of fuel for eligible transport workers.

Comelec initiated the ban on public works and social service disbursements under provisions mandated by the Omnibus Election Code to prevent potential vote-buying and the misuse of public funds during the campaign period.

Garcia maintained that the election body will proceed with all administrative preparations for the upcoming local elections, even as lawmakers consider proposals to extend the terms of barangay and youth council officials to five years, which would postpone the polls to 2028.