The Comelec warns candidates against using government social programs for political gain, emphasizing the potential consequences of such violations.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned candidates in next year's midterm elections against politicizing government social programs . Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that such violations can lead to imprisonment and disqualification. Garcia emphasized that the distribution of support or assistance should be solely handled by officials and personnel from the relevant government department without any political interference.
The Comelec allowed the continuation of several government social programs leading up to the elections, including those from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Garcia warned that any government department or politician found misusing state resources would face prosecution. He added that campaign materials or political presence should not be permitted by implementing agencies during the distribution of aid or assistance within the 45-day election period. Garcia mentioned that several candidates for governor and mayor have been disqualified by the Comelec for violating the ban on disbursement of public funds. The Comelec prohibited the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, a program under the DSWD, 10 days before the scheduled 2025 elections (May 2 to May 12, 2025), with exceptions for aid normally provided to qualified individuals such as basic needs (food, transportation, medical, educational, burial, and other similar assistance). The grantee must submit periodic written reports of disbursements made under the exemption to the Comelec Law Department. The issuance of a certificate of exemption does not prevent the commission from investigating and prosecuting any violation of Section 261(o) of the Omnibus Election Code
Election Code Commission On Elections Politics Social Programs Government Aid
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