BENEFICIARIES of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may now heave a sigh of relief as the department could now continue the delivery of their programs and services after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved their request for exemption from an election ban on the release of public funds.
It can be recalled that the DSWD Davao regional office suspended the release of its financial assistance pending the issuance of Notice of Exemption by the Comelec.
But on April 1, Comelec have released a resolution approving the petition of the DSWD for the exemption of its routine and normal expenses from the prohibition against release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds as stated under Section 262 (v.2) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Under the code, “release, disbursement or expenditures of public funds” and the “construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devises for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds” are prohibited from March 29 to May 12, 2019.
“The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified today that the agency will continue to deliver its programs and services, including the payout for the cash grants of the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) even during the election period,” the DSWD statement read.
The department sought for authority to continue its ongoing disaster relief, early recovery and rehabilitation efforts, and to undertake possible relief, early recovery and rehabilitation efforts during the election period.
Earlier, affected by the suspension of payouts were the members of beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The Comelec resolution further stated the condition that for programs requiring expenditures, the expenditures are limited to an amount equivalent to one quarter only, for the duration of the election period.
“In addition, the Department affirmed that it will not stop its delivery of programs and services to the Filipino people during the elections, and will uphold its mandate to provide effective, efficient, and transparent services,” the statement further read.
They also assured that they will continue monitoring their delivery of the program to prevent from being used by running politicians this coming midterm elections.