Distribution of ‘ayuda’ banned for 10 days, says Comelec

BACOLOD CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned local government units (LGUs) that they will be held liable for an election offense if they violate the 10-day ban on the distribution of all forms of assistance or “ayuda” (assistance), including the sale of rice at P20-per-kilo by LGUs.

GARCIA (second from right) (Glazyl Masculino)

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia during his visit to this city on Thursday, May 1, announced that the ban on the distribution of assistance begins on May 2 until Election Day on May 12.

Garcia said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has started the roll out of the P20-per-kilo rice program in Cebu on Wednesday, April 30.

But if an LGU participates in the program, an exemption from the Comelec is necessary.

Garcia suggested that after its launch on Wednesday, the DA should temporarily suspend the sale of P20-per-kilo rice to avoid perceptions of political maneuvering.

He noted that the P33 price is partially subsidized by local governments, which contribute P6.50 per kilo – a form of assistance considered ayuda.

Under Comelec rules, all forms of “ayuda” are prohibited from May 2 to 12, the 10 days leading up to the election, to prevent political exploitation.

Garcia said that the banning of all forms of assistance would help the Comelec maintain a clean and honest midterm elections.

However, he noted that medical and burial assistance are exempted from the 10-day ban.

Violators may face penalties ranging from one to six year imprisonment without probation, disqualification from public office, and loss of voting rights.