Comelec maintains ban on candidates during DSWD cash aid distributions

FILE PHOTO: Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia. INQUIRER / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has remained firm that candidates are strictly prohibited from attending the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) distribution of cash aid during the 2025 midterm elections spending ban.

This is amid the exemption of the agency’s 28 programs from the poll spending ban, including the controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

READ: Comelec: 28 DSWD programs exempted from poll spending ban

During a press conference on Wednesday, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized that while the poll body will not hinder the DSWD from distributing cash aid to the public, the agency must strictly comply with election regulations.

“We stated that we will not stop the distribution of these aid and assistance to our poor and needy citizens. However, the DSWD and the agency must comply with the conditions we have set.,” Garcia said in Filipino.

Garcia stressed that one of the key conditions is that no politicians or candidates should be present during the distribution of aid, regardless of its name, nature, or form.

“And one of the most important conditions we emphasized is that no politicians or candidates should be present during the distribution of this aid,” he added in Filipino.

The Comelec chair warned that violations of this rule could lead to grave consequences, including the withdrawal of the exemption granted to the DSWD’s 28 programs.

“We can lift the exemption. At the same time, if complaints are filed, we can pursue cases against those responsible—those distributing the aid, including government workers involved in its distribution,” Garcia said in a mix of Filipino and English.

He also noted that candidates who exploit the cash aid distribution could face disqualification and criminal charges for election offenses, including abuse of state resources.

“For those who stand to benefit and take advantage, they could face disqualification charges. This is considered an election offense, which is a criminal case,” he added.

45-day ban on social services

Garcia clarified that the prohibition on candidates attending cash aid distributions applies during the 45-day campaign period for local elections, as mandated by the Omnibus Election Code.

“The Comelec remains firm that candidates are prohibited as much as possible. That’s what we are saying: once the 45-day campaign period starts, that’s when the law’s prohibition on social services comes into effect, 45 days before the election,” Garcia explained.

However, he said it is up to the DSWD if they wish to extend this prohibition beyond the 45-day period or implement it earlier.

“We cannot interfere during the time when social services are not yet prohibited, so that would be under the DSWD. Our jurisdiction only applies during the 45-day campaign period for local positions,” Garcia underscored.

AICS distribution rules

Garcia also reminded the DSWD that the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) is “absolutely prohibited” 10 days before the midterm elections on May 12, 2025.

“This means that if we grant an exemption at the start of the 45-day campaign period, distributing AICS will be prohibited 10 days before the election,” Garcia said.

The AICS program provides financial assistance for medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and other emergency needs, according to the DSWD.

Do restrictions extend to candidates’ family members?

When asked if family members of candidates are also restricted from attending cash aid distributions, Garcia deferred specifics to the DSWD.

“We believe in the good intentions of the DSWD, that they will not neglect the beneficiaries nor allow the assistance they distribute to be misused by others,” Garcia expressed.

But he stated that, “Pag sinabi natin bawal ang pulitiko at kandidato, to my little understanding, that should extend. Hindi lamang sa kandidato kung hindi ‘yung campaign team, kung hindi ‘yung mga kakilala at kamag-anak na ma-rerelate mismo sa kandidato.”

(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.)