THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said relief efforts in disaster and calamity-hit areas are not included in the election ban against the release and expenditure of public funds due to the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a statement, the Comelec said those providing relief efforts in disaster and calamity-stricken areas are not obliged to request for exemption from the election ban, which will take effect on September 15.
“Expressly exempted from these prohibitions without the need for prior authority from the Commission are the release and expenditure of public funds for relief or other goods to be distributed to the affected individuals and/or families in cases of calamities or disasters,” said the Comelec.
On the other hand, the poll body said all other disbursement or expenditure of public funds for national, regional, provincial, and local government unit social welfare projects are covered by the ban, which will run from September 15 to October 30, 2023.
Also covered by the ban are social welfare projects that are implemented by barangays, with the period covered from October 20 to 30, 2023.
The Comelec advised those covered by the election ban to immediately file their requests for exemption immediately.
“Requests for exemption and exception for projects, activities, and programs pertaining to social welfare and services must be submitted to the Law Department via email, personal submission, or courier no later than 1 September 2023,” said the Comelec.
Prior to an electoral exercise, the Comelec prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds, including those for social welfare projects, unless authorized by the poll body.
