By Mariela Angella Oladive and Jennifer P. Rendon
The Commission on Elections is enforcing a 10-day ban on the distribution of government financial aid starting May 2 to ensure a fair and impartial electoral process ahead of the May 12 elections.
Mandated under the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution No. 11060, the ban covers aid programs such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.
Comelec-Iloilo Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson underscored the importance of strict compliance to prevent the misuse of public resources during the campaign period.
He warned that violators may face formal complaints and investigation.
Medical and burial assistance are exempt from the ban as they are considered essential services.
Candidates and elected officials are also prohibited from attending aid distribution activities from March 28 to May 11.
Violations may lead to imprisonment of one to six years and other penalties under election laws.
Despite restrictions, Comelec has granted exemptions for several regular DSWD programs, allowing them to operate throughout the election period.
These exempted programs include:
- Sustainable Livelihood Program
- Services for Residential and Center-Based Clients
- Supplementary Feeding Program
- Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens
- Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances
- Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons
- Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens
- KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB (Community-Driven Development and Cash-for-Work)
- LAWA and BINHI Project
- Philippines Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project
- Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare
In compliance with the Comelec directive, DSWD-6 completed its aid distribution on April 30, while DOLE-6 ended TUPAD payouts on May 1.
Comelec also exempted the Department of Agriculture’s PHP20-per-kilo rice program from the 45-day election spending ban.
However, local governments must obtain separate certificates of exemption if they plan to sell subsidized rice.
Distribution must take place in public areas accessible to the media, civil society, and watchdog groups to ensure transparency.
DSWD-6 Reaffirms Nonpartisan Aid Distribution
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 reiterated that its programs are implemented with political neutrality.
In a statement, DSWD-6 affirmed its commitment to impartial aid delivery, especially during the midterm election period.
Regional Director Arwin Razo said strict safeguards are in place to prevent political interference in the disbursement of financial assistance.
He said all services follow guidelines grounded in law and official issuances.
Razo added that qualified beneficiaries are served as long as funding is available.
The statement followed reports that some political candidates claimed credit for the distribution of government aid.
Other reports alleged that candidates threatened to withhold aid from non-supporters.
“We ensure that assistance is distributed fairly and transparently,” Razo said.
“These social protection programs are not political tools but vital lifelines for the most disadvantaged members of society.”
He stressed that DSWD-6 remains committed to serving vulnerable sectors regardless of political affiliation.
“In partnership with government and non-government stakeholders, we ensure aid reaches those who need it most,” he said.
He added that DSWD’s mission is to promote inclusive growth and deliver essential services to marginalized communities with transparency and accountability.
