A CONGRESSMAN and his allies have been accused of violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules by allegedly participating in a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) payout in a barangay in Argao, southern Cebu.
Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo, in a letter to the Comelec, DSWD 7 and the Office of the Ombudsman dated April 3, 2025, raised alarm over the alleged presence of the incumbent congressman of the 2nd dDistrict and his political allies during the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) payout in Barangay Usmad last April 2.
Sesaldo did not name the congressman in his letter, but the Argao Public Information Office later confirmed to SunStar Cebu that the mayor was referring to Rep. Edsel Galeos, who is seeking reelection in the May midterm elections.
Argao is part of the 2nd district along with Alcoy, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Oslob, Samboan and Santander.
Sesaldo is seeking reelection for mayor in the upcoming polls, aiming to secure his third and final term. He filed his certificate of candidacy on Oct. 7, 2024, alongside his running mate, Orvi Ortega, who is vying for the vice mayoral seat.
Their candidacy received endorsement from Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III, who is challenging Galeos for the district’s congressional seat.
SunStar Cebu tried to reach Galeos through his official Facebook Page “Atong Amigo Edsel Galeos” on Monday, April 7, but there was no message option available on the page.
Violation
In a letter sent on April 3 to DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, Sesaldo criticized the presence of an unnamed congressional candidate and his allies during the payout.
He said they gave speeches, which he called a “flagrant violation” of Comelec rules and DSWD protocols.
He further accused DSWD staff of allowing the incident and warned of legal action if similar political activity happens during future payouts.
The DSWD 7 has reminded the public that politicians and election candidates are not allowed to attend government cash aid distributions during the election period.
This policy covers programs, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, AICS, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tupad program.
Sesaldo also expressed dismay over what he described as a lack of proper coordination with the local government.
He said the Municipal Government of Argao was only notified of the activity through a letter dated March 31, just two days before the event.
Worse, he added, the information regarding the payout’s date, venue and list of recipients was reportedly released by the office of the congressman, not the local government unit.
Sesaldo argued that the congressman’s move allowed undue political influence over what should be an impartial government program.
He supported his claims with photos, videos and testimonies from witnesses.
DSWD probe
In a reply dated April 6, Lucero said an investigation is already underway to verify the mayor’s allegations. She assured that the findings will be reported to the mayor’s office once completed.
DSWD 7 also released a public statement affirming that both the AICS and Akap are intended solely for poor and vulnerable Filipinos.
The agency stressed that the distribution of aid follows Comelec Memorandum 24-09014 and must remain free of political interference.
The department urged the public to rely only on official DSWD communication channels for updates. / CDF