BAGUIO CITY – The chief of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here has advised the Department of Social Welfare and Development against letting politicians join aid distribution activities to prevent these events from being used in politics.
Comelec-Baguio officer Atty. John Paul Martin told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday that tarpaulins of politicians must not also be allowed to be displayed at the government support distribution venues.
“First, campaigning is not yet allowed, although there are acts that actually constitute campaigning already. Second, it is the government that is giving the assistance, not the politician, thus no need for them to be there,” he said.
Meanwhile, the DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) said it will continue to implement assistance distribution programs after the agency obtained an exemption from the Comelec.
“The DSWD-CAR will continue the implementation of its promotive and protective programs and services in CAR during the election ban for the May 2025 mid-term elections. This comes after the receipt of the approved exemption from the Commission on Elections allowing the Department to provide assistance to its clients given that it will not in any way influence the conduct of the election on May 12 2025,” Maria Aplaten, DSWD-CAR director, said in a press release.
These programs include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Supplemental Feeding Program, PAMANA, Pag-Abot Program, Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPHAP), social pension, assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Aplaten said services of the residential care facilities of the DSWD including the Regional Haven for Women and Girls, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) will continue to ensure that the continuity of the rehabilitation will not be hampered. (PNA)