The Commission on Elections – Misamis Oriental holds the Provincial Coordinating Command Conference on March 13 in Cagayan de Oro City to coordinate and strategize with key agencies to ensure the security, integrity, and smooth conduct of the upcoming elections. (Photo: RTP/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Elections in Misamis Oriental has warned against the use of government social welfare funds, or “ayuda,” for campaigning in the 2025 National and Local Elections.
During the Provincial Coordinating Command Conference on March 13, COMELEC Regional Election Attorney Gina Luna Zayas-Sabio emphasized that public funds cannot be released or spent for social welfare programs during the campaign period unless authorized by the COMELEC.
She said programs like Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang kita Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are prohibited from May 2 to May 12, 2025.
Exceptions include medical and burial assistance, which will remain allowed due to their emergency nature. “Di man nato ma-schedule kanus-a na mamatay ang mga tao diha. Di sad nato ma-schedule kanus-a mo pwede magsakit. That would be highly illogical and immoral for us in the government,” Sabio said. (We cannot schedule when people will die. Nor can we schedule when someone might get sick. That would be highly illogical and immoral for us in the government.)
Sabio clarified that housing-related financial aid is restricted unless exempted by COMELEC, and treasury warrants and other financial instruments for future transactions cannot be processed during this period.
Sabio further said that only the Department of Social Welfare and Development is authorized to handle relief operations during disasters. “No incumbent officials [should be] manning that relief operation,” she warned.
Routine government expenses, including salaries and maintenance costs, are exempt from the prohibition. However, government salary adjustments cannot be made between March 28 and May 13, 2025, unless processed before the restriction period.
Sabio added that local government units must submit exemption requests for fund disbursement by Feb. 11, 2025, with hard copies sent to the Law Department or Regional Election Director’s office. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
The restrictions also affect public works projects. Starting March 28, no new funds for public works projects can be released, except for maintenance, foreign-funded initiatives and public-private partnership projects.
“Ignorance of the law excuses no one. It has been published on the website. It is an obligation of all the local government agencies, local government units to be mindful of our calendar,” Sabio reminded.
The COMELEC regularly holds local coordinating command conferences to strategize and ensure the security and integrity of elections. (RTP/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
