OVP can resume pandemic programs amid poll campaign

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to continue some of its coronavirus response efforts even during the campaign period for May 9 elections.

“In an executive session today, the en banc granted the Petition for Exception of the Office of the Vice President of certain projects and programs during the 45-day period of the campaign,” Commissioner George Erwin Garcia said in a message to reporters on Wednesday.

Earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo asked the poll body to allow her office to continue their pandemic-related programs even during the period of election campaign.

Some of these programs are the Bayanihan E-konsulta, Vaccine Express, Swab Cab, and medical assistance program.

In a statement, OVP spokesperson Barry Gutierrez welcomed the poll body’s decision.

“We are currently waiting for a full copy of the resolution to ensure that we have clear guidance on the implementation of programs included in the exemption. We will release an official public advisory once we have all relevant details in hand,” Gutierrez added.

Comelec Resolution 10747 sets the rules and regulations on the prohibition on disbursement of public funds in connection with the May 9 polls, which will be in effect from March 25 to May 8.

Under Section 13 of the resolution, candidates are required to secure a certificate of exception for social welfare projects and services.

Last February 7, Robredo suspended the OVP’S initiatives to provide aid to people who were severely hit by the pandemic while awaiting the Comelec’s decision on her plea. ■