THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday granted exemptions to nine social services programs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from the ban on the release of public funds in relation to the May 2025 midterm elections.
In its Memorandum No. 24-07945, the Comelec approved the request of Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to exempt the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Government Internship Program (GIP), JobStart Philippines Program (JSP), Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), and Workers Organization Development Program (WODP).
Also in the list are the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), Financial Assistance Program to Distressed Migratory Sugarcane Workers (MSW), Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), and EnTSUPERneur Program.
The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds within 45 days before a regular election.
“Upon evaluation, we find the request to have sufficiently complied with the requirements of Rule IV of Resolution No. 11060,” said the Comelec.
“In view of the foregoing, the Law Department recommends the approval of the request for exemption of the DOLE,” it also said.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11060, the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services projects is prohibited from the period of March 28 to May 11, 2025.
However, concerned agencies are allowed to apply for exemptions from the election ban by submitting the list of projects, the name of the requesting agency, and the name and position of the person authorized to make such a request.
