P12 billion AKAP funding exempted from election spending ban

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved another exemption from the election spending ban for an additional P12 billion in funding. This money is part of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and will be used before the May 2025 elections. On Tuesday, Comelec released a memo stating that it supports the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) request to exempt certain programs from the spending limits. These exemptions come after the DSWD provided guidelines for the financial assistance program earlier this month. The exempted programs include various social welfare initiatives. These involve funding for services such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program, the Supplementary Feeding Program, and assistance for indigent senior citizens, among others. The total amount designated for these programs is significant, with the AKAP program receiving over P12.6 billion alone. This is the second time the AKAP program has been exempted from spending restrictions. Earlier this year, Comelec granted an exemption for an additional P882 million in funding as well. The Omnibus Election Code usually prohibits public officials from using or releasing public funds close to an election. The ban is in effect from March 28 to May 11, 2025. Comelec Resolution No. 11060 specifies that organizations need a certificate of exemption to continue social welfare activities during this period. In the past, Comelec has also approved other programs for exemption, including several infrastructure projects and funding requests from the Department of Labor and Employment.