The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) an exemption from the poll spending ban, allowing 12 social aid and livelihood programs to continue ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia instructed the DSWD to invite election officers as witnesses during aid distribution to ensure compliance.
Programs exempted include the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension for Indigent Seniors, AKAP, and various community development and nutrition projects.
However, cash aid programs such as 4Ps and TUPAD will be suspended from May 2 to May 12, except for medical and burial assistance.
The Comelec emphasized that implementation must remain non-partisan and directed the DSWD to submit periodic reports on disbursements.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 19, 2025
