Order takes effect 10 days before May 12
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday banned the distribution of government cash aid, or what is popularly known as “ayuda,” 10 days before the May 12 national, local, and Bangsamoro parliamentary polls.
The order is contained under Resolution No. 11104.
The poll body prohibited the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from giving out financial assistance provided under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) 10 before and on Election Day.
The prohibition also covers the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“The giving and distribution of ‘ayuda,’ TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps, shall be totally prohibited within a period of 10 days before elections and on Election Day,” said the Comelec.
It, however, said medical and burial assistance given to the public are exempted from the ban.
“(This is) except medical and burial assistances, which are normally given to qualified individuals,” it said.
The Comelec said the provision of financial aid during the prohibited period would be considered as vote-buying and vote-selling, or abuse of state resources (ASR).
“Ayuda, TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps that are distributed by candidates, who are incumbent elected officials, or their spouses or members of their families within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity, or their known supporters or employees, during the period of total prohibition shall be presumed vote-buying and vote-selling, or ASR,” it said.
MONEY BAN
The Comelec also prohibited the transport of money amounting over P500,000 before and on Election Day.
“During the period of two days before an election and on Election Day, it shall be prohibited (for anyone) to possess, transport, and/or carry cash exceeding P500,000.00 or its equivalent in any foreign currency, along with campaign paraphernalia and/or corroborating evidence,” the poll body stated in the same resolution.
It, however, said that the money ban shall not apply to persons who, by the nature of their duty, profession, business, or occupation as cashiers or disbursing officers, transport or carry cash exceeding P500,000 or its equivalent in any foreign currency.
“Provided that, when transporting or carrying such amount, they must be in the actual performance of their duties involving the transport of money or disbursement of payrolls,” said the Comelec.
It also said that any unusual transaction flow between accounts, digital banking, and digital wallets, including unusual large cash withdrawals involving the amount exceeding P500,000 may be deemed as a prohibited act.
“(These) shall be considered suspicious transactions of vote-buying and vote-selling,” it said.
The Comelec said violation of the prohibitions to distribute cash assistance and the carrying of cash beyond P500,000 will be considered as an election offense.
An election offense carries the penalties of one to six years imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right of suffrage.