The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to disburse P4.28 billion for four transport programs during the election spending ban for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia approved the exemption following the recommendation of the commission’s law department on the LTFRB’s request to continue implementing the programs during the restricted period.
Covered by the exemption are the P1.785-billion Fuel Subsidy Program, P1.5-billion Public Transport Modernization Program, P940-million Love Bus ‘Libreng Sakay’ and P51-million Service Contracting Program for the EDSA Busway Extension.
However, Comelec attached conditions to ensure that the programs would not be used to influence BSKE.
Elective officials, candidates, nominees and aspirants are barred from being present during the distribution of assistance under the covered programs.
LTFRB must also ensure that implementation does not influence the elections and must submit the guidelines governing the programs to Comelec.
Any inconsistency between the implementation and the submitted guidelines may result in the revocation of the exemption.
The transport agency is likewise required to submit periodic written reports on disbursements made under the four programs.
Comelec’s exemption applies only to the identified LTFRB programs, while the general restriction on the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds remains in effect from September 18 to November 1.
Other election-period restrictions cover certain public-works activities and government personnel actions, including the appointment or hiring of new employees and the creation or filling of new positions.