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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Comelec exempts AKAP, 11 other DSWD projects from poll spending ban

Comelec exempts AKAP, 11 other DSWD projects from poll spending ban

Published Mar 18, 2025 05:47 am

A total of 12 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) projects, including the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), have been granted exemption by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from the ban on the release of public funds ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.

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Commission on Elections

Under Memorandum No. 25-01080, Comelec approved the release of public funds for the AKAP and 11 other social services projects for the period of March 28 to May 11.

Comelec Law Department Director Sittie Tawagon had recommended the approval of the request for the exemption filed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

Covered by the exemption are the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP); Services for Residential and Center-based Clients; Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP); Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens; Protective Services for Individuals & Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances Proper; and Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons.

Also granted exemptions are Assistance to Persons with Disability & Senior Citizens; Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP); LAWA and BINHI Project (Local Adaptation to Water Access-Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished); KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community Driven and Development (CDD) projects and Cash for Work (CFW) programs; Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP); and Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare (LITAW).

The poll body, however, stressed that the projects must not, in any manner, influence the conduct of the forthcoming polls.

It also prohibited the presence of elective officials and/or candidates/aspirants during the distribution of the covered projects.

If possible, it also urged the DSWD to invite the concerned City or Municipal Election Officer to witness the distribution activities to ensure their compliance to the guidelines.

The Department is also required to submit a periodic written report of the disbursements made in relation to the exempted projects to the Office of the Regional Election Director concerned.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, it is prohibited to release and spend public funds within 45 days before an electoral exercise.

For the upcoming May 2025 polls, the election spending ban shall run from March 28 to May 11, 2025.

Related Tags

matalinong boto 2025 AKAP Commission on Elections (Comelec) Department of Social Welfare and Development Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
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