Comelec: No ayuda, P20 rice distribution until after polls

The distribution of any form of financial aid or "ayuda" - even those earlier granted with exemptions is no longer allowed, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all government agencies.

- 

"We are once again reminding all agencies that were granted exemptions: even if your ayuda program is exempted (from the election ban), it is now prohibited," Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said in Filipino over "Storycon" on One News yesterday.

He cited the previous condition set by the Comelec on exemptions granted to ayuda programs: distributions are prohibited 10 days before the May 12 elections or starting May 2.

Laudiangco said only "emergency" aid may be released, such as for medical and burial services.

"These are part of emergency services and not aid," he added.

He warned those who will violate the election ban may face administrative and criminal charges. Those running for office may also face disqualification.

The total ban includes the sale of the subsidized rice at P20 per kilo, which the government launched on May 1 in the pilot area of Cebu.