Comelec exempts nine Dole programs from election spending ban in the Philippines

The Commission on Elections in the Philippines has exempted nine programs from the spending ban related to the upcoming midterm elections. This decision allows the Department of Labor and Employment to proceed with nearly P20 billion in funding for various employment and livelihood initiatives. The exempted programs include the Special Program for Employment of Students and the Government Internship Program, among others. These programs will continue to receive funding despite the ban on public spending for social services from March 28 to May 11, 2025. However, the Comelec has restricted the Dole's involvement in distributing certain assistance during the election period, allowing only basic needs support. Previously, the Comelec had exempted 48 infrastructure projects from the same spending ban.