Comelec exempts 12 DSWD programs from election ban

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted an exemption to 12 programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the election spending ban ahead of the May 12, 2025, national and local elections.

In its Memorandum No. 25-01080, Comelec approved the release of public funds, including P12,633,600,000 for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). This initiative aims to assist the near-poor segment of the population, particularly minimum-wage earners facing economic difficulties.

Aside from AKAP, the other 11 social service programs exempted from the ban include: Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, LAWA and BINHI Project (Local Adaptation to Water Access-Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community-Driven Development projects and Cash-for-Work programs, Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project, Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Protective Services for Individuals & Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances Proper, Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, and Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens.

Despite the exemption, Comelec emphasized in its four-page memorandum that elective officials and candidates are strictly prohibited from attending distribution activities related to these programs from March 28, 2025, to May 11, 2025, coinciding with the election spending ban period.

Comelec approved the request for exemption made by DSWD Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian under specific conditions. The exemption is prospective in application, must not influence the conduct of the May 12, 2025 elections, and must exclude the distribution of Ayuda, TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps from May 2, 2025 (Friday) to May 12, 2025 (Monday), except for medical and burial assistance, which are normally provided to qualified individuals.

Furthermore, Comelec mandated that DSWD submit periodic written reports on the disbursements made under this exemption to the concerned Office of the Regional Election Director. The poll body also clarified that the issuance of a Certificate of Exemption does not prevent the conduct of preliminary investigations if violations of Section 261(o) of the Omnibus Election Code occur.

To ensure compliance with guidelines, Comelec directed the DSWD to invite city or municipal election officers to witness distribution activities. — (FREEMAN)