ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is implementing a 10-day ban on the distribution of all financial assistance, or ayuda, from May 2 to election day on May 12 to prevent the misuse of government resources for political gain.
Under the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution No. 11060, the ban includes programs such as the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and similar initiatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to Atty. Reinier Layson, provincial election supervisor for Comelec-Iloilo, no distribution of these assistance programs will be allowed during the 10-day period, even if government agencies or local government units (LGUs) have previously obtained exemption certificates.
However, the distribution of medical and burial assistance is exempt from the ban, as these are considered essential services for immediate needs.
Layson emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to adhere to the prohibition could result in formal complaints and subsequent investigations.
The Comelec has also issued a memorandum that prohibits candidates and elected officials from attending any distribution events between March 28 and May 11 to further ensure a fair and non-partisan electoral process.
Violations of this directive are considered election offenses and may result in penalties, including imprisonment.
Comelec earlier granted DSWD an exemption from the election spending ban for the following regular aid programs:
* AKAP
* Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens
* Sustainable Livelihood Program
* KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB for Community-Driven Development projects and Cash-for-Work programs * Services for Residential and Center-based Clients
* Supplementary Feeding Program
* LAWA and BINHI Project (Local Adaptation to Water Access-Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished)
* Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project, Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare
* Protective Services for Individuals & Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances Proper
* Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons
* Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens/PN
