HUMANITARIAN projects such as typhoon relief operations or pandemic response programs are normally exempted from the ban on spending during the election period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.
The Office of the Vice President has applied for an exemption to the ban so it continue with its pandemic initiatives like the Swab Cab, Bayanihan E-Konsulta, and the Vaccine Express, even during the campaign period.
A ban on the release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds will start on March 25 and will run May 8, a day before the national and local elections.
“Normally, exemptions to election bans can be granted on humanitarian grounds,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez in a briefing.
“To see whether it is necessary or not, it (application) will be (treated) along these lines,” he added.
As to the OVP’s application, Jimenez said it is still being evaluated.
Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero said government should secure the purchase of health-related goods and services to ensure that the election procurement ban does not hamper the country’s pandemic response.
Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback, reminded heads of key government agencies in charge of the country’s pandemic response and local chief executives that from March 25 to May 8, no notices of award can be issued to new projects related to housing, public works, and social welfare in accordance with Circular 03-2021 of the Government Procurement Policy Board.
“It is up to department heads, mayors and governors to ensure that the 2022 elections would not paralyze COVID-19 management, especially with Omicron triggering an increase in infections to over 25,000 daily. Efficient and effective pandemic response should not stop just because there is a ban on procurement,” he said.
Pursuant to Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10695, the circular allows exemptions to the procurement ban, which includes public works projects approved, funded or started before March 25; emergency works due to calamities; and foreign-assisted or funded projects. All other exemptions on procurement must be approved by the Comelec.
Escudero urged the Comelec to consider allowing social welfare projects such as free COVID-19 testing, tele-consultation and other forms of assistance to those affected by the pandemic to continue even during the campaign period.
He said Sorsogon, which is under Alert Level 3, has started buying home care kits as early as 2020, which the provincial government distributes to COVID-19-positive constituents.
He said the proactive approach has paid off as hospital occupancy in the province remained low despite the rise in COVID-19 cases. — With Raymond Africa
