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Comelec exempts AKAP, AICS fr poll ban
By J.Lo
“There must be strict compliance that there are no candidates or politicians during distribution of ayuda,” Commission on Elections (Comelec)said distribution of controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will proceed despite spending ban to be implemented in connection with May midterm polls.
Comelec earlier granted request of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to exempt AKAP and its other aid projects and programs from election ban.
Aside from AKAP, programs exempted from election ban are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Walang Gutom Program (WGP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
Garcia, clarified that distribution of AICS will be suspended from May 2 to 12, except those normally given to qualified individuals such as but not limited to basic needs in form of food, medical, education, burial and similar assistance.
Garcia said Comelec approved recommendation of its law department to grant DSWD’s request for exemption.
In granting exemption, Comelec stressed implementation of DSWD projects must not influence conduct of forthcoming elections.
Garcia said DSWD must submit periodic written report of disbursements made regarding exempted projects.
Comelec further required DSWD to provide Comelec with guidelines on exempted programs’ implementation.
Comelec also granted exemptions for Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Implementation of the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances COMBASED, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances PROPER and Services to Displaced Persons.
Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens, National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB, Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon, PAMANA Peace and Development and PAMANA-LGU Led Livelihood are also exempted from ban.
Included in the list of programs with exemptions are Pag-Abot Program, KALAHI-CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program, Beneficiary First Project, Trust Receipt, Tara Basa Tutoring Program, Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, Social Technology Development and Enhancement and Financial Assistance that are normally given to qualified individuals.
Under Omnibus Election Code, release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds is prohibited within 45 days before regular election, unless authorized by Comelec.
In response, DSWD welcomed Comelec’s decision to exempt 28 agency programs and services, including controversial AKAP, from spending ban.
DSWD applied for exemption last Dec. 19, underscoring need to ensure continuity of these programs.
“We thank Comelec for approving our request without striking out any item…we assure Commission and public mechanisms are in place to ensure our programs will not be used for political partisan activities,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
Government is looking at establishing specific triggers or thresholds for release of AKAP funds to ensure only qualified beneficiaries receive aid, Department of Budget and Management said.
Speaking at Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman likened proposed measure to fuel subsidy program, where aid distribution is activated only when prices reach certain level.
“Maybe they can put some sort of trigger before releasing funds. If there is inflation limit, it needs to be hit, similar to fuel subsidy program of Department of Transportation and Department of Agriculture, where before they trigger release of subsidy, gasoline prices need to reach specific high level, national ID can help identify who truly needs assistance, ensuring aid reaches intended recipients, proposed measure also aims to prevent misuse and duplication,” Pangandaman said.
To address concerns about potential misuse of AKAP, Pangandaman affirmed guidelines would include provisions to prevent political exploitation, such as prohibiting use of politicians’ names, images or campaign materials during aid distribution.
“DWSD Sec. Rex Gatchalian said and I support that…he also said we need to ensure AKAP won’t be used by those who are running for coming elections and I also support that, we listen to public who want social protection programs free from political influence…that’s why we want to be very specific on how we distribute social protection programs,” she said.
Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) is meticulously verifying reports of candidates allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
According to PDEG spokesman Lt. Dhame Malang, they are still verifying information that they have received.
“Election periods often bring about attempts to discredit opponents, and we need to ensure our reports are accurate,” Malang said.
He added that if any intelligence report is confirmed, PDEG will fulfill its mandate and inform public.
When asked about reports of drug-related fundraising activities by narco-politicians, Malang said no such activities have been detected so far. However, PDEG continues to monitor such instances.
“Our director, Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, has directed us to keep close eye on movements and activities related to these issues…while we have no confirmed cases yet, we remain vigilant,” Malang said.
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