Without Comelec exemption: Over 50,000 at risk

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has warned that over 50,000 beneficiaries of the city’s socialized programs may be affected if the City Council does not approve a resolution seeking exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) guidelines on fund disbursement during the election season.

Last Wednesday, the City Council deferred approval of the resolution, which aims to secure an exemption certification allowing the city to continue disbursing funds for its programs despite restrictions under the Omnibus election code. The code prohibits the release or expenditure of public funds during the 45-day election period unless an exemption is granted.

Garcia acknowledged the Council’s decision to defer approval due to missing documents, including details specifying the programs that require exemption. However, he expressed optimism that the resolution would be reintroduced during the Council’s regular session today (Wednesday).

“Pero, I hope malamdagan ang council nga ma approve ang atoang request for exemption,” said Garcia.

According to Garcia, failure to secure the exemption could stall financial assistance programs benefiting 90,000 senior citizens and 14,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs). Other initiatives, such as burial assistance and the City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP), which disburses between P500,000 to P1 million daily, are also at risk.

The mayor emphasized the critical nature of the exemption, noting that at least 50,000 beneficiaries could be affected.

“Ang akoa lang, they should not be strict about it. Sila kunoy manubag ana kung dili mahatagan og exemption,” said Garcia.

He also highlighted the difficulty in providing some of the requested documentation, such as pre-identified beneficiaries for burial or hospitalization assistance, due to the unpredictable nature of these needs.

He asked the council to be circumspect with the documents they will be requiring.

“Ayaw lang sad tawn mi hatagi’g dokumento sa beneficiaries sa burial, kay wala man mi kahibaw kung kanus-a sila mamatay, kung kanus-a sad sila mahospital,” said Garcia.

“Mao rana gyud akoang hangyo, they will really have to answer to the people if dili nila mapasar,” he added.

The resolution, proposed by Councilor Rey Gealon, cites Resolution No. 11060 issued by COMELEC on September 13, 2024. This resolution outlines the rules and regulations prohibiting the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social services and housing-related projects during the election period.

Under Sections 261 (V) and (W) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), public officials, including barangay and government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) officials, are prohibited from releasing public funds for such purposes within 45 days before the May 12, 2025, elections, unless an exemption is granted.

During last week’s session, Councilor Franklyn Ong demand for specifics of the programs and projects sought to be exempted from Comelec rules, stressing the importance of specificity on the implementation period, purpose, and the exact amount to be disbursed.

The resolution underscores that the exemption is “extremely necessary and crucial” to ensure the continuous operation of Cebu City’s social services, which benefit some of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

As the Council prepares to deliberate on the matter again, the mayor hopes for swift action to avoid any interruptions to vital social assistance programs. — (FREEMAN)