The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) approved the distribution of aid under programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), even during the election campaign period.
The programs include the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.
In a report by RH Boy Gonzales, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced that the guidelines for the distribution of government aid will be released in the coming days.
"May mga nag-apply na sa amin para sa pagbibigay ng mga ayuda at ang COMELEC po - tatandaan ng lahat - ay hindi magiging hadlang para sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan lalo na po 'yung mahihirap nating kababayan," said Garcia.
"Kaya lang, ang atin nga pong pakiusap sa mga ahensya na hihingi ng ayuda [ay] sana naman po, ayusin po ninyo 'yung paghingi ng exemption sa amin," he added.
Garcia added that it is necessary to specify and organize the details to allow the commission to determine whether the aid will be used for political purposes or genuinely for helping those in need.
The COMELEC intends to prevent candidates from using government programs for political gain during the election season.
Moreover, election-related events in the country will officially begin on January 12, in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.
