DSWD, Comelec, DILG to implement ‘no-epal’ campaign for barangay polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will work with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG) to implement a “Bawal ang Epal Dito” campaign in the coming October barangay elections.

The DSWD said that the campaign will specifically target their Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) also known as the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, making sure that the program is not used by candidates, especially incumbent officials running for re-election.

The strengthening of the campaign seeks to insulate the CCT program, and also the beneficiaries, especially with the incidence of cases in the last May 13 national elections where the CCT was used in partisan politics.

The DSWD said that in cooperation with Comelec and DILG, a joint memorandum circular was going to be issued laying down guidelines for the issuance of the CCT cash transfers to beneficiary families.

The circular will also provide a monitoring mechanism for violations of the campaign, and prosecution of violators. – With Rainier Allan Ronda