Infra projects not covered by election ban – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines – Continuing infrastructure projects, including private-public partnership (PPP) projects, are not covered by the campaign ban, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez pointed out that, as a general rule, projects that have been started prior to the imposition of the ban can still be implemented even during the ban period.

The restriction on the implementation of government projects, he added, is intended to prevent these from being used for campaigning.

Jimenez clarified though that there is an exception to this rule, especially those involving humanitarian missions and donations to churches.

The Omnibus Election Code cited several prohibited acts during the campaign period, which runs from March 25 to May 8. It includes the “construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds.”