DSWD lauds AKAP, ayuda exemption from spending ban

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed yesterday the decision of the Commission on Elections to exempt key social welfare programs from the election spending ban, ensuring continued assistance to marginalized Filipinos.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

"We thank the Comelec for acting positively on our request for exemption. This means that our mandate to our poor countrymen will be continuous even if there is an election ban," Gatchalian told reporters.

In a memorandum issued on March 18, the poll body approved the department's request to exempt certain programs from Section 261 (v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code.

This marks the second time the Comelec has granted such an exemption, following its earlier approval on Jan. 8, which covered 28 social welfare programs.