Comelec lifts poll spending ban on fuel subsidy

MANILA, Philippines — The distribution of fuel subsidy to qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers can resume despite the election ban.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday approved a resolution allowing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to extend fuel subsidies to qualified drivers.

“Upon evaluation, we find the request to have sufficiently complied with the requirements,” the commission said in a resolution.

But the Comelec ordered the LTFRB to ensure that the distribution of fuel subsidy shall not in any manner influence the conduct of the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Comelec further stressed that the subsidy program shall not involve any assistance to individuals in crisis situation, except those normally given to qualified individuals.

“The issuance of a certificate of exemption shall not prevent the conduct of preliminary investigation in cases wherein prohibited acts of the Omnibus Election Code occurs,” the Comelec added.

The LTFRB previously requested the Comelec for an exemption for the implementation of the fuel subsidy program.

Under the program, LTFRB shall distribute P10,000 each to modern PUJ and modern UV Express operators, while the operators of other modes of transport will receive P6,500 each.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body received the request for exemption from the LTFRB Tuesday.

“We don’t intend to prolong the wait as the people really need this, especially those driving public utility vehicles,” Garcia said.

“As much as possible, we don’t deny applications for exemption, especially if the one requesting is a national government agency and it is part of their regular projects,” the Comelec chief explained.

Co