Comelec: No ayuda distribution from May 2 to May 12

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday issued a reminder that it will implement an “ayuda ban" 10 days leading to the May 12 polls.

“May 2 hanggang May 12, bawal ang lahat ng klase ng ayuda,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(From May 2 to May 12, all types of ayuda are prohibited.)

Ayuda pertains to forms of cash assistance provided by the government. Garcia, in particular, said the 10-day ban covers Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), 4Ps, and the controversial Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

“Hindi na 'yan exempted… Bawal na itong ipamahagi, maliban na lang sa medical and burial assistance... 'Yan lang ang exempted sa May 2 to 12,” he explained.

(That is no longer exempted. It is no longer allowed to be distributed, except for medical and burial assistance. Those are the only exemptions from May 2 to 12.)

The financial assistance programs were earlier given exemptions from the polls spending ban by Comelec, as it announced that there will be a ban on the distribution of ayuda 10 days leading to the May elections.

“Kakasuhan ang mga magbibigay o magpapatupad ng mga ayuda from May 2 to 12,” Garcia said.

(We will file cases for those who provide or implement aid from May 2 to 12.)

Under the Omnibus Election Code, violations of the prohibitions constitute election offenses, punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year, but not more than six years, among other penalties provided for by law.

The Comelec has exempted the P20 per kilo Rice Project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) from the 45-day election spending ban ahead of the May 12 polls.

However, the poll body included additional guidelines for the exclusion, including the securing by local government units (LGUs) of separate certificates of exemption if they resell rice products at a lower price.

Other directives include that the distribution and sale of subsidized rice be conducted in public places and that media, civil society, and interest groups be allowed unrestricted access in the venue of the implementation --VAL, GMA Integrated News

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