The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded local government units (LGUs) to apply for exemption to continue granting cash aids to senior citizens, as well as medical and burial assistance during the election period
The Comelec issued the reminder due to complaints that some local officials, particularly incumbent barangay leaders running for re-election continue to distribute medicines to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) which were being misconstrued as vote-buying.
Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said the grant of cash aid as well as medical, burial and other assistance given to qualified individuals by the LGUs will continue even throughout the election period, but they need to apply for exemption.
“It is never the intention of the law for the government to stop its services to people, but there are services that should pass through Comelec, such as ayuda, but when it comes to other assistance in relation to medical, burial and food, we are exempting that,” he said.
The use of public funds for government programs like social welfare projects is prohibited during the poll period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30.
The Comelec gave assurance that the poll body will immediately act on the request of the LGUs for such exemptions, so as not to hamper the medical assistance to the senior citizens and PWDs.
Comelec chairman George Garcia warned however, that those caught distributing money or medicines without Comelec’s consent could be charged criminally and administratively and be imprisoned for one to six years.
“If the distribution is made by incumbent barangay officials who are running, we can charge them with vote-buying, and this is ground for disqualifying the candidate,” Garcia added.
Meanwhile, the Comelec observed that no untoward incident happened during the first day of campaign period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Nonetheless, the poll body reminded BSKE candidates to follow the election rules or face disqualification.
