THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday advised national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to start applying for exemptions to disbursement of public funds and construction of public works.
An election ban on fund disbursement and construction will take effect on March 25.Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body is now accepting applications for exemptions.
“Governors and mayors, national agency heads can file for Comelec exemption from ban on project implementation and cash disbursements due to the pandemic,” Guanzon said in a social media post,
Starting March 25, agencies and LGUs will be prohibited from undertaking construction of public works and delivery of materials for public works.
There will also be a ban on the release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds until May 8.
Violation of the ban shall constitute an election offense which carries the penalty of imprisonment of one to six years.
To note, the national government still has ongoing construction projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program and is implementing cash assistance programs amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
