2 weeks ago
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ILOILO CITY — Mayor Jerry Treñas has formally requested an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allow the continuation of the city's social welfare programs and infrastructure projects during the campaign period.
Treñas, in a Feb. 6 petition to the Comelec, has sought a certificate of exemption for the city government's social programs valued at over P152 million and infrastructure projects worth more than P3 billion.
The petition covers 16 social welfare programs and 190 infrastructure projects scheduled for implementation this year.
Election-related spending restrictions for this year's midterm polls will begin on March 28 and will end on May 11, 2025.
Election day is May 12, 2025.
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Among the social programs included in the request are the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations worth P20 million, the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program valued at P30 million, and the Department of Labor and Employment's Tulong sa Pag-unlad ng Pamilyang Pilipino program amounting to P50 million.
Other initiatives in the request include local pensions for senior citizens, the Uswag Negosyo program aimed at enhancing public markets, a special student employment program, centenarian welfare, family and community welfare initiatives, and other financial and non-financial assistance programs.
The requested exemption also covers infrastructure projects, such as roads, drainage systems, public markets, educational facilities and multi-purpose buildings.
Under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social and infrastructure projects is prohibited 45 days before a regular election to prevent their use for political gain.
However, the Comelec may grant exemptions for essential projects, including ongoing public works initiated before the campaign period, emergency works due to calamities, and critical social programs.
The mayor's petition has received support from the Iloilo City Council, which passed two separate resolutions on Feb. 5 authorizing him to seek the Comelec exemption.
