The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) warned and reminded the politicians that they’re not using their own money to dictate the financial aid programs of the government.
During a press conference, COMELEC chairman George Garcia said that the guidelines set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should be followed and not any rules created by public officials.
“Ang programang ito ay hindi pagmamay-ari ng mga politiko, bakit sila ang pipili ng beneficiaries?” Garcia asked.
“Dapat ang masunod ay ang guidelines ng DSWD, hindi guidelines na gawa ng politiko,” he added.
He also reminded the public that the funds used for the program came from the taxpayer’s money.
“For our fellow Filipino that is your money. You have the right to claim it. Therefore, you are entitled to it. We will insist that it does not belong to them (politicians), that is why we monitor, disqualify, and sue,” he said.
“This is a fair warning to all, especially agencies distributing the assistance. So that the Comelec will not be blamed and the aid people receive from this exemption will not be used for vote buying,” he added.
It can be recalled that the faces of politicians were visible in some distribution areas of AKAP funds.