CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial government has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt at least 90 infrastructure projects from the election period ban.
Under election laws, government units are prohibited to disburse payments, award or start a project, including infrastructure works, within 45 days prior to the election ban.
The election ban is from March 29 to May 12.
Engineer Hector Jamora, head of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), said they needed to apply for the exemption so that the works will not be stalled, especially that some of the projects are school buildings that they need to deliver before classes resume this June.
The request for the exemption of the projects from the election was submitted to the regional office Comelec last March 26, said Provincial Legal Officer Orvi Ortega.
Ortega said their request for exemption included 86 ongoing projects of school buildings, hospitals, road networks and waterworks; and 4 projects that are due for implementation within the election ban window.
While the ongoing projects are not covered with the election ban, Ortega explained that they need the exemption so that they can disburse the payment for the projects.
Meanwhile, the projects that are still due for implementation would still be put on hold pending the issuance of the certificate of exemption from the Comelec Central Office. /bmjo