DSWD to request exemption from Comelec spending ban this week —spox

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said it is targeting to submit to the Commission on Elections this week the list of programs and services it wishes to be exempted from the public spending ban during elections.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao made the remark during a Laging Handa briefing after Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda asked the agency to seek an exemption from the Comelec to continue its emergency financial aid to poor families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sa kasalukuyan lamang po ay kinakalap natin ‘yung iba’t ibang activities mula central office at gayundin sa ating field offices para madetermine natin ano ‘yung pwede nating ma-fastrack na mga disbursements at matukoy natin ano ‘yung mga programa at serbisyo na kinakailangang magpatuloy,” Dumlao said.

(Currently, we are gathering the various activities from our central and field offices so we can determine which disbursements we could fastrack and identify what programs and services needed to be continued.)

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10747, a certificate of exemption is needed to implement activities and programs on social welfare projects and services amid the public spending ban from March 25 to May 8, 2022.

“Tulad naman nung mga nakaraang eleksyon, ang DSWD ay magsusumite muli ng request for exemption para sa pagpapatuloy ng implementasyon ng mga mahahalaga nating mga programa at serbisyo, kasama na diyan ang ating mga infrastructure at ating mga procurement projects,” Dumlao said.

(Like in previous elections, the DSWD will again submit a request for exemption for the continued implementation of our important programs and services, including our infrastructure and procurement projects.)

She added that like in the previous elections, the DSWD hopes for a positive decision from the Comelec regarding the exemption request so they could continue their services to the vulnerable sector amid the pandemic.—AOL, GMA News