Remember poll rules on relief assistance

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission  on Elections has warned any government agencies giving relief assistance to earthquake victims, particularly government agencies in Cebu and Bohol provinces, of the prohibitions relative  to the conduct of the October 28 barangay election.

Provincial Election Officer Ferdinand Gujilde, told reporters that the prohibitions take effect today until election day.   Gujilde said that Comelec  has adopted  Resolution No. 9585 on the rules and regulations governing the ban on release, disbursement and expenditures of public funds within the election period.

The Resolution provides that “the Department of Social Welfare and Development  and any other office in other departments of the government performing  functions similar to said department, except for salaries of personnel, and for such other routine and normal expenses, and for such other expenses as the Commission may  authorize after due notice and hearing.

“Should a calamity or disaster occur, all releases normally or usually coursed through the said departments and offices of other departments shall be turned over to, and administered and disbursed by, the Philippine National Red Cross, subject to the supervision of the Commission on Audit or its representatives.

“No candidate or his or her spouse or member of his family within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity shall participate, directly or indirectly, in the distribution of any relief or other goods to the victims of the calamity or disaster.”

Gujilde stressed that local government units and its officials, even if they are not candidates in the barangay election, are still covered by the prohibitions.

The Province of Cebu was already declared under state of calamity after the earthquake to access the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund representing five percent of the entire annual budget.

Earlier reports said that the province still has around P107 million in what is popularly known as the calamity fund.     Governor Hilario Davide told reporters yesterday that no calamity fund was released yet as he is still waiting for the report of acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development  Officer Evelyn  Senajon.

Davide said that he also received messages from private sectors that they will be sending relief goods for the victims of earthquake.  (FREEMAN)