Quezon City: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced plans to request an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) concerning the spending ban that affects their financial assistance programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Cacdac emphasized the importance of responding promptly to distress calls from Filipino workers abroad as part of the DMW’s duties.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac highlighted the challenges posed by the spending restrictions during campaign periods, which include prohibitions on distributing financial assistance, as well as appointments, promotions, and transfers. Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, he explained the need for immediate action in certain situations, stating, “We usually seek exemption from the Comelec kasi (because of) exigency ng service sa linya ng trabaho namin (in the line of duty).” He underscored the urgency of deploying staff overseas when necessary, noting that waiting until after elections is not always feasible.
Comelec Resolution 11060 mandates that a certificate of exemption is necessary to carry out activities and programs related to social welfare during the public spending ban from March 28 to May 11. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already been granted exemptions for 28 programs, under conditions that exclude the presence of candidates or politicians during distribution and require Comelec to be informed of the guidelines. This exemption allows the DSWD to bypass the ban on “release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds.”
Cacdac also mentioned collaboration with Comelec to motivate migrant workers to participate in the voting process on May 12.
In a separate issue, Cacdac assured that the government is aiding the family of Jenny Alvarado, a migrant worker who died from coal smoke inhalation in Kuwait earlier this month. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Arnell Ignacio has been in communication with the family to provide assistance. While authorities are considering the possibility of foul play, Cacdac stated they will rely on the autopsy results conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, Philippine lawyers in Kuwait are investigating the liability of the service provider involved in mistakenly repatriating a different body on January 14, instead of Alvarado’s, following the incident on January 2.
