Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to exempt key agency programs from the election spending ban, citing it ensures the unhampered aid to poor and marginalized Filipinos.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pagtugon ng COMELEC positively sa exemption, ibig sabihin yung mandato natin sa ating mahihirap na kababayan tuloy tuloy yon kahit na may election ban,” Secretary Gatchalian said in an ambush interview with reporters in Navotas City on Tuesday (March 18).
In a memorandum issued by the COMELEC on March 18, the poll body approved the request of the DSWD to exempt some of its social welfare programs from Section 261 (v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
This is the second time the DSWD’s request was granted by the COMELEC, following its earlier request to exempt 28 of its social welfare programs from the poll spending ban, which was also approved by the commission last January 8.
Secretary Gatchalian said the agency made the timely decision to extend a second request to ensure that the DSWD can provide the much-needed aid to poor Filipinos.
“Kasi ito naman hindi tumitigil ang pagtugon ng DSWD dahil lang may election. So, yung medical assistance burial assistance, tuloy-tuloy yan dahil mandato namin yan,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said the agency is fully-committed to heed the COMELEC’s terms and recommendation under their recently released memorandum.
This includes the COMELEC’s position that the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) should not be allowed to disburse aid from May 2 to 12, except for individuals in need of medical and burial assistance.
The COMELEC also urged the DSWD to ensure that the exemption shall not in any manner influence the conduct of the National and Local Elections, and elective officials and or candidates/aspirants will not be present during the distribution cash grants under the AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps.
The COMELEC also recommended the election officer of the municipality or city, or their authorized representatives to be invited as witness during the distribution of cash aid to ensure compliance with the stated conditions.
“Like COMELEC, the DSWD anticipates nothing but a clean, transparent election. Rest assured that we will fully-comply with their terms, conditions, and recommendations. The agency will make sure that our policies and guidelines are in place and will be exercised to insulate our program from any political interference,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
