The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday (January 8) welcomed the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision to exempt 28 agency programs and services from the spending ban in connection with the midterm elections in May.

“The exemption ensures the continuous delivery of our programs and services to address the needs of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos during the election period,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.

The COMELEC issued a memorandum on Wednesday exempting 28 programs of the DSWD from Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

Some of the programs covered by the COMELEC exemption are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP); Services for Residential and Center-based Clients; Supplementary Feeding Program; Pag-Abot Program; Walang Gutom Program; Tara Basa! Tutoring Program; and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

“We thank the COMELEC for approving our request without striking out any item. We assure the Commission and the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure that our programs will not be used for political partisan activities,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

Section 261(v) of the OEC prohibits the DSWD and other agencies from releasing, disbursing, or expending any public funds during 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election. (YADP)

 

Tagalog Version

DSWD ikinalugod ang COMELEC exemption sa 28 programs at services ng ahensya sa poll spending ban

Ikinalugod ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang naging desisyon ng Commission on Election (COMELEC) na i-exempt ang 28 programs and services ng ahensya mula sa spending ban sa panahon ng halalan ngayong Mayo.

“The exemption ensures the continuous delivery of our programs and services to address the needs of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos during the election period,” sabi ni DSWD Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

Nauna rito, naglabas ang COMELEC ng memorandum nitong Miyerkules na nagsasaad ng exemption sa 28 programa ng DSWD mula sa Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

Kabilang sa mga DSWD programs na in-exempt ng COMELEC ay ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP); Services for Residential and Center-based Clients; Supplementary Feeding Program; Pag-Abot Program; Walang Gutom Program; Tara Basa! Tutoring Program; at Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

“We thank the COMELEC for approving our request without striking out any item. We assure the Commission and the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure that our programs will not be used for political partisan activities,” sabi pa ni Asst. Secretary Dumlao.# (MVC)