AKAP, AICS exempted from poll ban – Comelec
MANILA, Philippines — The distribution of the controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will proceed despite the spending ban to be implemented in connection with the May midterm polls.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday granted the request of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to exempt AKAP and its other aid projects and programs from the election ban.
Aside from AKAP, the programs exempted from the election ban are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Walang Gutom Program (WGP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
Comelec Chairman George Garcia, however, clarified that distribution of AICS will be suspended from May 2 to 12, except those which are normally given to qualified individuals such as but not limited to basic needs in the form of food, medical, education, burial and similar assistance.
Garcia said the Comelec approved the recommendation of its law department to grant the DSWD’s request for exemption.
In granting the exemption, Comelec stressed the implementation of the DSWD projects must not influence the conduct of the forthcoming elections.
“(There must be) strict compliance that (there are) no candidates or politicians during the distribution of ayuda,” Garcia noted.
Garcia said the DSWD must submit a periodic written report of the disbursements made regarding the exempted projects.
The Comelec further required the DSWD to provide the Comelec with the guidelines on the exempted programs’ implementation.
Comelec also granted exemptions for the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Implementation of the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances COMBASED, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances PROPER and Services to Displaced Persons.
The Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens, National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB, Philippines
