Comelec bans ayuda dole outs in Antipolo 2nd District ahead of special polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited the distribution of cash assistance or ayuda in the second district of Antipolo ahead of the March 14, 2026 special elections.

According to a report of Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB, the Comelec issued a resolution banning the distribution of several ayuda programs including the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) starting March 4 until March 14, 2026.

Also prohibited is the disbursement of the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Meanwhile, exempted from the ban are medical and funeral assistance for eligible beneficiaries.

During the same period, the Comelec will also ban the release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds for housing projects, except for those exempted by Comelec.

Non-working holiday proposed

In a related development, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body en banc passed a resolution calling on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. calling for the declaration of March 14 as non-working holiday in the district.

"Ipinasa natin ang isang resolusyon na humihiling sa ating Pangulo na ideklarang non-working holiday ang March 14 sa second district ng Antipolo," Garcia.

(We approved a resolution calling on the President to declare March 14 as a non-working holiday in the second district of Antipolo.)

"At the same time, humihingi kami ng otoridad na ilagay ang AFP at PNP under our control and supervision as deputized agencies of the Comelec," he added, referring to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

(At the same time, we're asking for authority to place AFP and PNP under our control and supervision as deputized agencies of the Comelec.)

Earlier, the Comelec announced that a special election will be conducted in the second congressional district of Antipolo City following the passing of late Representative Romeo Acop last December.

Acop, 78, passed away on December 20, 2025 after succumbing to a heart attack. His political party, the National Unity Party (NUP), previously said the Comelec is mandated by law to hold a special election to fill his House seat. — VDV, GMA Integrated News