The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed a decision by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to exempt several flagship social assistance programs from the public spending prohibition linked to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on November 2.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the decision allows crucial support services to reach vulnerable populations without administrative interruption.
“Nagpapasalamat po ang DSWD sa COMELEC sa pag-apruba ng ating request na ma-exempt ang ilang programa ng ating ahensya. The approval will ensure unhampered aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos,” DSWD assistant secretary and spokeswoman Irene Dumlao said.
The approval, which was granted by COMELEC on September 17, waives restrictions under Section 261 (v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) for a range of specialized social services. Exempted social protection measures include:
- Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) and Walang Gutom Program (WGP)
- Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC)
- Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Assistance
- Pag-abot Program
- Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn)
Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor Program
Despite granting exemptions for various specialized initiatives, COMELEC maintained strict limitations on direct cash distribution programs immediately preceding election day.
The poll body specified that the spending ban exemption does not apply to disbursements under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) between October 23 and November 2. An exception remains for essential medical and burial assistance normally provided to qualified individuals during emergency circumstances.
To prevent political exploitation of government assistance, COMELEC strictly prohibited all elective officials, political candidates, nominees and aspirants from attending or being present at cash aid distribution activities.