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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Comelec approves DOH's petition for exemption from election spending ban

Comelec approves DOH's petition for exemption from election spending ban

Published Mar 31, 2022 02:22 pm

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has approved the petition of the Department of Health (DOH) to be exempted from the public works and fund releases ban in place during the campaign period.

A senior citizen is being inoculated with AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine in Parañaque City on April 5, 2021. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)

In a press briefing on Thursday, March 31, Commissioner George Irwin Garcia announced that the poll body has approved DOH's petition in line with its Covid-19 vaccination program.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10747 promulgated on Dec. 16, 2021, effective March 25, until May 8, 2022, no public official or employee, including officials, and those of government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries, shall release, disburse or expend any public funds.

Last week, the en banc also granted the petition for exemption of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for certain projects and programs.

Garcia also said in a statement that the petition for exception of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the 45-day period was likewise approved by the en banc.

In January, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that exemptions to election bans are normally granted on humanitarian grounds to see whether or not it's really needed.

Garcia said that they rejected mere letters asking for exemption. He cited Comelec Resolution No. 747, wherein he stated that institutions must file a formal petition. Next week, he said that they may act on more or less 20 petitions which are set for hearing on Monday, April 4.

They will then be asked to submit a memorandum or position paper. The en banc will come up with a ruling after its weekly deliberations.

"We do not want to sacrifice the social services projects of our Local Government Units (LGUs) and other agencies of the government," he added.

Related Tags

department of health Department of Health (DOH) 2022 elections 2022 presidential elections 2022 polls Comelec 2022 national and local polls Commission on Elections (Comelec) 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS doh
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