28 DSWD programs exempted from ban
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted 28 programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the election-related spending ban ahead of the May 2025 midterm polls. "We stated that we will not stop the distribution of these aids and assistance to our poor and needy citizens. However, the DSWD and the agency must comply with the conditions we have set," Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said in a news conference on Wednesday. One of the critical conditions set by the Comelec was that no politicians or candidates should be present during aid distribution. "We can lift the exemption. At the same time, if complaints were filed, we can pursue cases against those responsible — those distributing the aid, including government workers involved in its distribution," Garcia said. The prohibition extends to families and close associates of candidates. "When we say politicians and candidates are prohibited, to my little understanding, that should extend not only to the candidates but also to their campaign teams, as well as friends and relatives closely associated with the candidate," Garcia said. The DSWD programs that were allowed to operate from March 28 to May 11, 2025, include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with a P38.4 billion allotment, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) with over P511 million, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens with P401.6 million, the controversial AKAP, which has P882,974,163.33, the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals in Especially Difficult Circumstances, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), with P7.5 billion. Garcia said distribution of AICS will be absolutely prohibited within 10 days before the election, specifically on May 12, 2025. The program provides emergency financial aid for medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and other urgent needs. The exemptions were granted under Comelec Resolution 11060, which requires government agencies seeking to continue their programs during the election period to obtain a certificate of exemption from the poll body.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted 28 programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the election-related spending ban ahead of the May 2025 midterm polls.
"We stated that we will not stop the distribution of these aids and assistance to our poor and needy citizens. However, the DSWD and the agency must comply with the conditions we have set," Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said in a news conference on Wednesday.
One of the critical conditions set by the Comelec was that no politicians or candidates should be present during aid distribution.
"We can lift the exemption. At the same time, if complaints were filed, we can pursue cases against those responsible — those distributing the aid, including government workers involved in its distribution," Garcia said.
The prohibition extends to families and close associates of candidates.
"When we say politicians and candidates are prohibited, to my little understanding, that should extend not only to the candidates but also to their campaign teams, as well as friends and relatives closely associated with the candidate," Garcia said.
The DSWD programs that were allowed to operate from March 28 to May 11, 2025, include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with a P38.4 billion allotment, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) with over P511 million, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens with P401.6 million, the controversial AKAP, which has P882,974,163.33, the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals in Especially Difficult Circumstances, and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), with P7.5 billion.
Garcia said distribution of AICS will be absolutely prohibited within 10 days before the election, specifically on May 12, 2025.
The program provides emergency financial aid for medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and other urgent needs.
The exemptions were granted under Comelec Resolution 11060, which requires government agencies seeking to continue their programs during the election period to obtain a certificate of exemption from the poll body.
