By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned local government units (LGUs) that distributing any form of aid, including selling rice at PHP20 per kilo, is prohibited during the 10-day election ban from May 2 to May 12.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said Thursday that LGUs must obtain clearance from the commission if they wish to participate in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) subsidized rice program.
The program, partly funded by LGUs through a PHP6.50-per-kilo subsidy, is classified as “ayuda,” or assistance, which is restricted during the election period to ensure fairness.
Garcia suggested that the DA temporarily suspend the PHP20-per-kilo rice sale to avoid any perception of political influence.
“Baka puwedeng mag self-suspend na lang ang DA para hindi madungisan or magamit sa pulitika. For 10 days lang naman, hindi naman maghihirap ang mamamayan,” he said.
Violators of election rules face penalties including one to six years of imprisonment without probation, disqualification from public office, and loss of voting rights.
The DA began rolling out the rice program in Cebu on April 30 but suspended sales the next day in compliance with Comelec’s directive.
Under the program, the DA sources rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) at PHP33 per kilo.
The LGU and national government then each shoulder PHP6.50 to bring the selling price down to PHP20 per kilo for consumers.
Garcia clarified that exceptions to the election aid ban include medical and burial assistance, which are considered urgent for indigent recipients.
