Capitol asks ban exemption for projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Election has yet to receive the letter from the Cebu Provincial Government requesting to push through with its projects amid the 45-day election ban.

But Comelec Cebu Provincial Supervisor Eddie Aba explained that as long as projects are ongoing, the implementing government unit can push through without violating Comelec regulations.

The Provincial Government wrote to Aba last month asking Comelec to exempt ongoing and proposed projects from the 45-day election ban on implementation of infrastructure projects.

Comelec regulations state that the release, disbursement and expenditure of public funds are prohibited starting March 29 until the end of election.

Attached in the letter signed by the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Engineering office, Hector Jamora, are details of the project including proposed date of completion, budget and other project specifications.

Capitol is asking Comelec to exempt around 74 projects mostly on road, drainage and school rehabilitation in the Province amounting to around P100 million.

The letter states that the maintenance works of existing and completed projects as well as on-going infrastructure projects are done either by straight contract or by Capitol itself.

The request also included projects that were supposed to be completed even before the 45-day ban started but were delayed due to some hitches.

Aba explained that ongoing projects and even those that have been halted would be allowed to proceed as only those that have not been bid out and awarded to contractors would be covered by the 45-day election ban.  (FREEMAN)