DA seeks lifting of spending ban on farmers, fishers fuel subsidy

The Department of Agriculture is seeking to exempt from the Commission on Elections’ campaign period spending ban the distribution of fuel subsidies for the farm sector.

In a text message on Friday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar confirmed that the distribution of the P500-million fuel discount vouchers for corn farmers and fisherfolk has been on hold “since two weeks ago” due to the election spending ban.

“We are petitioning for exemption,” Dar said.

The Agriculture chief said that it had already distributed fuel discount cards worth P3,000 to “few thousands” before it was put on hold.

Under the Comelec’s Resolution No. 10747, prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds during the campaign period from March 25 until May 8.

The same resolution, however, allows exemptions from the spending ban provided that a certificate of exemption is secured to implement activities and programs on social welfare projects and services.

The Comelec earlier allowed the resumption of the distribution of assistance for drivers and operators of mass transport vehicles.

The transportation and agriculture sectors are among those which are gravely affected by the increasing prices of fuel products and other basic goods.

Likewise, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez called on the Comelec to also exempt the distribution of fertilizer and fuel subsidies to farmers from the election campaign spending ban. —LBG, GMA News