The chair of the House of Representatives’ agriculture committee and ANAC-IP Rep. Jose T. Panganiban has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other concerned agencies to activate the exemptions provided by law so farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño could receive aid.
The DA said estimated crop damage due to El Niño has breached the P5 billion mark. They also estimated that the dry spell has affected 177,743 hectares of agricultural land and 164,672 farmers as of April 2.
“The government should coordinate with the Commission on Elections so it can proceed with providing aid despite the election ban,” Panganiban said.
“Let’s leave the giving of relief to the administrators for the meanwhile.”
The release of public funds during the election period is considered an election offense.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, however, said that there are exemptions to the law.
Article XXII of the Omnibus Election Code, which lists election offenses, provides that “should a calamity or disaster occur, all releases normally or usually coursed through the said ministries and offices of other ministries shall be turned over to, and administered and disbursed by, the Philippine National Red Cross, subject to the supervision of the Commission on Audit or its representatives, and no candidate or his or her spouse or member of his family within the second civil degree of affinity or consanguinity shall participate, directly or indirectly, in the distribution of any relief or other goods to the victims of the calamity or disaster.”
“Umaasa akong kumikilos na ang pamahalaan para maipamahagi ang mga emergency funds nang hindi nilalabag ang batas,” the solon said.
Panganiban also advised those running for the legislature to take a hands-off approach when people ask for financial aid.
He said that while public assistance is perceived to be among the duties of legislators, their primary duty is to craft laws.
“That while public assistance is perceived to be among the duties of legislators, their primary duty is to craft laws.”
“Let’s leave the giving of relief to the administrators for the meanwhile. Ang mas mahalaga, mag-alay tayo ng solusyon kung paano natin maaayos ang isyu ng water security para sa kinabukasan ay may maayos na mekanismo na tutulong sa mga kababayan natin,” he said.
