The Quezon City councilor, who organized a food pantry which eventually led to violation of health protocols, said Wednesday he is not doing early campaigning in leading the said activity.
Majority Floor Leader Franz Pumaren said that as an elected official, he is mandated to help his constituents by extending food assistance, among others.
He made the remark although several tarpaulins bearing his name were displayed during his food giveaway events.


"Hindi naman porket tumutulong kami, campaigning na (Just because we're helping, we're already campaigning)," he told reporters in online press briefing.
Pumaren also said he has been organizing food pantrIes since 2020, so the recent event that led to health protocols violation could not be a part of early campaigning.

Pumaren received a show cause order from Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday to explain the alleged violation of social distancing protocols during his food distribution program in Barangay Matandang Balara Tuesday.
Pumaren in a presser said they have been complying with rules on mass gathering since last year.
He said Tuesday's incident was unexpected due to heavy downpour which created disorder among beneficiaries of his program.