Comelec exempts P12B for AKAP, 11 other DSWD projects during election ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted a total of P12 billion for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and approved exemptions for 11 other social services projects ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

This decision follows Memorandum No. 25-01080 issued by Comelec on Tuesday, which grants exemptions to various DSWD initiatives including AKAP during the election spending ban period from March 28 to May 11.

Covered projects include the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and others such as LAWA and BINHI Project, KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB, PMNP, and LITAW.

Elective officials and/or candidates are banned from attending distribution activities of the covered projects during this period to prevent any influence on election conduct.

DSWD is required to invite city or municipal election officers to witness the distribution activities and submit periodic reports on disbursements made in relation to these exempted projects to ensure compliance with guidelines.