THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a firm reminder on Saturday that a 10-day ban on the distribution of government financial assistance, or “ayuda,” will be strictly enforced in the lead-up to the May 12 elections.
This ban, effective from May 2nd to May 12th, covers all forms of cash assistance, including Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Comelec Chair George Garcia emphasized the severity of the ban during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, stating that previously granted exemptions have been revoked. “From May 2 to May 12, all types of ayuda are prohibited,” Garcia declared.
He clarified that only medical and burial assistance will be exempted from this stringent restriction. The Comelec’s decision comes despite earlier granting exemptions to these programs from the overall election spending ban.
The commission’s stance underscores its determination to ensure fair and transparent elections. Garcia warned that individuals or entities found distributing or implementing ayuda during the prohibited period will face legal consequences.
“We will file cases for those who provide or implement aid from May 2 to 12,” he firmly stated. Under the Omnibus Election Code, violations of these prohibitions constitute election offenses, punishable by imprisonment ranging from one to six years, in addition to other penalties stipulated by law.
While the Comelec has maintained its exemption of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) P20 per kilo rice project from the broader 45-day election spending ban, additional guidelines have been implemented to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
Local government units (LGUs) are required to obtain separate certificates of exemption if they resell rice products at a reduced price. Furthermore, the distribution and sale of subsidized rice must occur in public spaces, allowing unrestricted access for media, civil society organizations, and other interested parties to monitor the process.
This comprehensive approach by the Comelec aims to prevent the potential manipulation of aid distribution to influence voter choices during the upcoming elections.
The strict enforcement of the ayuda ban, coupled with the guidelines for the rice project, reflects the commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
