Comelec exempts AKAP, 27 programs from election spending ban
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has allowed the government to continue implementing the Ayuda Sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and 27 other welfare programs during this year's midterm election period as long as no candidate is present in the payout.
In a memorandum issued Wednesday, January 8, the poll body granted the request of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian to exempt these programs from the 45-day spending ban for the national and local elections in May.
One of three conditions that the DSWD must comply with is for there to be "no candidate/politician during the distribution of ayuda (aid) in whatever nature or form," the Comelec wrote in the memorandum.
The two other conditions are for the DSWD to draft and strictly enforce guidelines to implement the projects.
The country's election code prohibits agencies from releasing funds within 45 days of election day as a safeguard against the use of state resources for candidates' campaigns. But Comelec Resolution 11060 allows "social welfare and services projects and housing-related projects" to operate during the spending ban as long as agencies obtain a certificate of exemption from the poll body.
This year's spending ban is set for March 28 to May 11, 2025.
The exemption covers P882.97 million for AKAP, which the DSWD describes as a "timely initiative" to assist near-poor Filipinos earning minimum wage who face economic difficulties.
Another major program exempted is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with an allocation of P38.4 billion. The program provides conditional cash transfers to poor households to improve their health, nutrition, and education. Others include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Stamp Program/Walang Gutom Program and the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.
The memorandum said the exemption is "prospective in application" and must not influence the conduct of the national and local elections and the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. The DSWD is also required to submit periodic written reports of disbursements to the regional election director concerned.
Comelec Chairperson George