The Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the exemption of fuel subsidy distribution from the election spending ban.
The commission said it has allowed the resumption of and exempted from the election spending ban the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) fuel subsidy distribution program.
“We granted the petition of the LTFRB as regards to fuel subsidy program,” Comelec commissioner George Garcia said during a press conference.
Garcia noted that a formal resolution to be adopted by the Comelec en banc should be released before relaunching the program.
“Definitely, we will immediately issue the resolution,” said Garcia.
Garcia emphasized their approval is subject to certain conditions like “strict implementation” of the fuel subsidy program, the parameters of the project’s implementation, and how targeted beneficiaries will apply for the cash aid.
“They have to specifically mention beneficiaries, the how and when the project should be implemented, as well as the documentation as to the compliance of the submission before of a similar project,” Garcia added.
Earlier, the LTFRB had to halt the distribution of the fuel subsidy program after the Comelec spending ban started last March 25, and will continue until May 8. — Ronald Espartinez