The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has assured the public that the agency will continue to provide assistance to the poor and marginalized sector in the region, amid the spending ban implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong said almost all programs of the agency are covered by exemptions granted by the Comelec.
“Kaya patuloy po lalo na po yung social pension, livelihood (program) natin, social services program, so majority ng ating mga programs po ay patuloy po siya even may election ban dahil nakakuha tayo ng exemption,” Subong said.
A memorandum was issued by the Comelec approving the request of the agency to exempt some of its social welfare programs from Section 261 (v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
These include the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICs), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), among others.
However, the DSWD official added that under Comelec Resolution 11104, giving and distribution of AKAP, TUPAD, AICS and 4Ps shall be totally prohibited within a period of 10 days before elections and on election day, except for burial and medical assistance which are normally given to qualified individuals.
Lawyer Maria Corazon Montallana, assistant regional election director of Comelec Region 8 pointed out that within the 10-day period before election, all are prohibited except those which are intended for burial and hospital expenses.
“Basta 10 days before elections there’s an absolute ban,” Montallana said.
This means that there will be no disbursement of aid to the beneficiaries from May 2 to May 12, except for individuals who are in dire need of medical services and burial assistance.
Montallana reminded all elective officials and/or candidates not to be present during the distribution of cash assistance under the AKAP, AICS and 4Ps to avoid being charged for election offense.
Under the law, any assistance through TUPAD, AKAP, AICS and 4Ps that are distributed by candidates who are incumbent elected officials or their spouses or family members within the second civil degree of affinity and consanguinity, or their known supporters or employees during the period of total prohibition, shall be presumed vote-buying or vote-selling or abuse of state resources, as the case maybe.
While this development can be considered a laudable gesture by the Comelec, Montallana urged the public to be vigilant to help DSWD fulfil its mandate as it ensures the distribution of aid being free from any political interference.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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