Agriculture programs exempted from election spending ban

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday announced that it granted several agriculture-related programs exemption from the spending ban on government projects.

“The commission, after evaluating the submission of the petitioner, hereby grants the said projects, programs, and activities subject to submission of the amount to be disbursed during the 45-day ban which shall be the proportional amount required for the covered period as against the annual budget,” Comelec said in a resolution.

Philippine law requires a state spending ban during an election period. It is in effect this year from March 25 to May 8 for the May 9 national and local elections.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through Secretary William D. Dar, petitioned on March 23 that it be granted a certificate of exception for the release of funds for the following programs: Rice Farmers Financial Assistance; Fuel Discount to Farmers and Fisherfolk; Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund; National Rice Program; Seed, Fertilizer, Machinery and Equipment Distribution; National Corn Program; and Special Area for Agricultural Development Program.

The Comelec directed the agriculture department to put in place safeguards to ensure that the cash aid distribution for these programs are not used for electioneering.

In a separate resolution, the Comelec also granted the petition by the Philippine Rice Research Institute, an attached agency of the DA.

On March 15, PhilRice requested the exemption of the following activities from the election spending ban: distribution of high-quality inbred rice seeds and information materials nationwide; establishment of rice technology demonstration trials; and the conduct of farmers’ field days or field walks.

The commission said the program “deserves continuity, not to disrupt the supply of rice in the country, and at the same time protect our national food security.”

The Comelec also noted that irrigation projects are exempted from the scope of the ban. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson