The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday reminded the public that it will implement a 10-day ban on the distribution of government assistance, or ayuda, ahead of the May 12 polls.
“From May 2 to May 12, all forms of ayuda are prohibited,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Garcia clarified that the ban will cover programs such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Previously, the Comelec had granted exemptions to these financial aid programs from the election spending ban. However, it has now ruled that distributing any form of ayuda during the 10-day period leading up to the elections will be considered a violation.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, election offenses—including violations of spending and distribution bans—are punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years, among other penalties.
The Comelec also granted an exemption to the Department of Agriculture’s P20 per kilo Rice Project from the 45-day election spending ban, provided local government units (LGUs) obtain separate certificates of exemption if they intend to resell the rice at a subsidized price.
Ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, Vice President Sara Duterte meanwhile urged the public to reject candidates from political dynasties, those engaging in vote buying, and politicians who fail to deliver on their campaign promises.
She called on voters to support leaders genuinely committed to driving meaningful change in the country.
Duterte stressed the importance of scrutinizing candidates’ platforms and promises, especially since many pledges from previous elections have remained unfulfilled.
“For example, we all know that in 2022, BBM promised rice at P20 per kilo. That promise was forgotten for three years. Now, with another election approaching, the same P20 per kilo rice promise is once again being floated by the administration,” Duterte said.
“We need to change the way we vote if we want to see new leaders and real change in our country,” she concluded.