COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) commissioner George Garcia assured Monday, April 11, 2022, that the agency will expedite the resolution of petitions for election spending ban exemption of local government units in areas affected by Tropical Depression “Agaton” (Megi).
“We are fully aware of the presence of calamity and there are certain calamity funds allocated for this kind of incident. If only the LGUs, without particularly naming the LGUs, can immediately go to the Comelec, file something with the Comelec, we can expedite everything,” he said in a television interview.
“We can even forego hearing on the case and based on the evidence available and we can always take cognizance of the fact that indeed there was a storm, there was a calamity,” he added.
The Comelec earlier approved the election spending ban of different government agencies particularly for the distribution of assistance amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and the series of oil price hikes.
The spending ban amid the election period aims to prevent the use of public funds for the advantage of any candidate.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said over 136,000 individuals in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro were affected by the onslaught of Agaton.
It said over 13,000 people are currently staying in evacuation centers.
On Sunday, April 10, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama declared a state of calamity due to the effects of Agaton.
The municipality of Cateel in Davao Oriental has also been placed under a state of calamity due to "severe flooding." (SunStar Philippines)