Comelec halts exemption letting Mandanas-led Batangas LGU give aid during campaign

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Comelec's decision comes after a group raises concerns that funds worth P272 million may be used by Batangas LGU to influence voters, but Mandanas tells Rappler he is strictly against electioneering using government funds

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the exemption granted to the provincial government of Batangas under Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas’ leadership to distribute financial aid during campaign period, after a group raised concerns that the funds may be used to influence voters.

The capitol previously approved the local government’s request for exemption from Comelec Resolution No. 11060, which lays out rules on the prohibition against the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social services and housing-related projects for the 2025 elections, from March 28 to May 11.

This meant that the capitol had access to financial assistance worth P273.2 million. The breakdown is as follows:

• Assistance to Individuals In Crisis Situations: P16.7 million
• Emergency Assistance Service under 20% Development Fund: P23.1 million
• Job Fair: P150,000
• Employment Assistance Program: P800,000
• Release of assistance for youth sports and activities: P32.5 million
• Cash for work for the victims of Typhoon Kristine and Taal Volcano evacuees: P5 million
• Hot meals for the victims of Typhoon Kristine and Taal Volcano evacuees: P5 million
• Scholarship and educational assistance: P190 million

The group Progressive Allied Batangueños (PAB) said the implementation of the projects during the campaign period would give Mandanas “undue advantage over the rest of the candidates.”

“Having the free disposal to distribute P273.2 million to the set of beneficiaries without transparent parameters, he can use these projects to influence the recipients to vote for him come election day,” read the PAB letter, as contained in the Comelec memo dated Monday, April 21, a copy of which Rappler obtained on Wednesday, April 23.

“If he will be allowed to access these funds, there is a reasonable certainty that he will utilize the resources of the government in vote-buying — the evil sought to be prevented by existing election laws and relevant Comelec resolutions,” the group added.

The Comelec, in response, said it considers the allegations serious and is acting on the complaint to “not render moot the issues/concerns raised.”

“The commission, after due deliberation, resolved, as it hereby resolves, to suspend, effective immediately, the grant of exemption given in favor of the province of Batangas, represented by Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas, from the Comelec prohibition on procurement and distribution,” the Comelec memo read.

Comelec Resolution No. 11060 operationalizes the Omnibus Election Code provision that prohibits public officials from disbursing public funds for social services and housing projects 45 days ahead of election day.

In a statement to Rappler, Mandanas said the capitol will follow the Comelec’s order, but he would still file an appeal “due to the urgent needs of our people.”

“I have been strictly following the principle that no candidate can be electioneering using government funds,” Mandanas added.

Mandanas is a political kingpin in Batangas, the country’s sixth most vote-rich province, and has not lost an election since 1995, when he became governor.

He has led the capitol until he became term-limited in 2004, and subsequently represented the second district of the province until 2013. He returned as governor in 2016, and has served three terms.

Now that he is again term-limited for governor, he seeks to slide down to the vice gubernatorial post, but he faces two opponents, namely Bauan Mayor Ryanh Dolor, and television host Luis Manzano. It is arguably the most high-profile, competitive local race in Batangas this election cycle.

Manzano is the eldest son of former governor and film legend Vilma Santos, who is also seeking a return to the capitol. – Rapper.com