91 projects exempted from Comelec ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted 91 infrastructure projects of the Cebu City Government, although the distribution of the Charter Day bonuses remains uncertain.

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This was announced by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia in a press conference yesterday. He said the petition was filed in November last year. Garcia said that with this certification, at least 91 projects now have the green light to commence, despite the implementation of the Comelec ban on disbursing and utilizing government resources and funds during the election season.

This is the second wave of exemptions that Comelec has granted to Cebu City. It can be recalled that earlier this month, Comelec approved the utilization of P310.21 million for social service programs, projects, and dole-outs.

With this exemption, Garcia said they are hopeful that a decision regarding the distribution of the Charter Day bonus, which has been stalled for months, will finally be issued. As of this week, despite going to the national Comelec office to seek answers, Garcia said there is still no decision on whether the bonuses will be released.

"But I'm keeping my fingers crossed," said Garcia, referring to the bonuses he earlier hoped would be distributed just before election day.