Comelec exempts LTFRB's fuel subsidy from social services ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it has exempted the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) from the ban on public spending for social services ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

"Na exempt na po namin ang fuel subsidy ng LTFRB sa social services (we exempted the fuel subsidy of LTFRB social services)," Comelec chairperson George Garcia said in a Viber message.

The exemption also covers the Libreng Sakay and monthly assistance under the Public Transport Modernization Program, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said.

However, the poll body pointed out that the exemption does not include the distribution of social assistance under the TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps from October 23 to November 2 except for medical and burial assistance.

Elective officials, candidates, nominees, and aspirants are also prohibited to be present during the distribution of social aid of the said programs.

The LTFRB is tasked to follow the guidelines set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employmen! (DOLE), and other relevant agencies during its aid distribution.

Any violation to the guidelines may result in the revocation of the certificate of exemption.

The LTFRB earlier suspended the distribution of the P12-per-liter fuel subsidy for PUV drivers due to the election ban.

During the election period, a certificate of exemption is given to a government agency to allow specific activities that fall under the elections ban, like releasing or disbursing public funds for social welfare, housing, or infrastructure projects and transporting firearms.

The release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds is prohibited from September 18 to November 1 due to the upcoming BSKE scheduled for November 2. —RF, GMA News