In a move to keep aid distribution events free from political influence, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Baguio City has issued a directive to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The directive explicitly prohibits politicians from participating in these events, aiming to prevent them from being used as platforms for political campaigning. Atty. John Paul Martin, the Comelec-Baguio officer, emphasized that since the government, not individual politicians, is responsible for providing the assistance, there is no need for politicians to be present at these distributions. Additionally, he stated that displaying politicians’ tarpaulins at these venues is also not permitted, as campaigning is currently banned.
Despite the election ban, the DSWD in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) has been granted an exemption by Comelec, allowing it to continue its various assistance programs. Maria Aplaten, the director of DSWD-CAR, confirmed that the department will maintain its promotive and protective services throughout the election period leading up to the May 2025 mid-term elections. These services include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and several others aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
Aplaten also assured that the operations of DSWD’s residential care facilities, such as the Regional Haven for Women and Girls and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth, will continue uninterrupted. This ensures that the rehabilitation and support services provided by these facilities remain unaffected by the election ban.