Comelec exempts DOH’s vax program from the election spending ban –Garcia

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted the Department of Health’s (DOH) COVID-19 immunization program from the election-related spending ban, Commissioner George Garcia said Thursday.

“Doon sa ating mga application for exemptions, especially sa social services, Department of Health, we granted the petition of the DOH’s specialized units for the immunization program against COVID-19,” Garcia said during a press conference.

The poll body also granted the petition filed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Garcia said about 20 more petitions will be discussed next week.

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

The Comelec last week also granted the petition for exemption of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) during the campaign period.

The OVP's COVID-19 initiatives were temporarily halted last month as the campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions officially began on February 8.—AOL, GMA News