The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has approved the request of Nueva Vizcaya’s provincial government, led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, for an exemption for certain social welfare projects aimed at aiding disadvantaged sectors. The approval was received by the office of the Governor on March 31.

In the decision released by COMELEC and signed by Comelec Chair George Erwin M. Garcia, several programs were granted exemptions, including but not limited to:

1. Trabaho para ti Umili – Short-term employment for unemployed constituents.

2. Jobs in Need of Gifts – Livelihood assistance for tricycle drivers.

3. Project GAYYEM – Financial aid for indigent individuals.

4. Centenarian Endowment Program – Cash incentives for centenarians.

5. Provision of Cash Incentive to Nonagenarians – Financial support for nonagenarians.

6. Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations – Aid for those in crisis.

7. Go Bag ti Umili – First aid kits for vulnerable households.

8. Doktor Ti Umili – Scholarships for medical students.

Along with the exemption, the provincial government must adhere to several guidelines outlined by the Law Department to ensure compliance and transparency:

1. The exemption is effective only moving forward.

2. Benefits must not influence the May 12, 2025 elections.

3. No distribution of certain aid is allowed from May 2 to May 12, 2025, except for essential medical and burial assistance.

4. Political figures cannot be involved in aid distribution during this period.

5. The provincial government must submit periodic reports on disbursements to COMELEC.

6. The exemption does not prevent investigations into prohibited acts as outlined in Section 26 of the Omnibus Election Code, which includes actions that could unduly influence elections.

The COMELEC’s decision ensures that these essential services and projects of the provincial government can continue despite electoral restrictions. These programs are considered critical for the welfare of Nueva Vizcaya residents, especially those in marginalized sectors.#RMI

[This article was initially created on Facebook – Vizcaya Reporter. For PLGU-Nueva Vizcaya updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]