People line up to avail of the free COVID-19 test at the OVP’s Swab Cab project on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Tandang Sora Avenue corner Visayas Avenue Extension in Quezon City. OVP Photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted the request of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to continue its pandemic-related programs during the campaign period, Commissioner George Garcia said Wednesday.
“In an executive session today, the en banc granted the Petition for Exception of the Office of the Vice President of certain projects and programs during the 45-day period of the campaign,” Garcia said in a Viber message to reporters.
Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for the presidency, earlier asked the Comelec to allow the OVP to continue its pandemic-related programs during the campaign period for national candidates, which started on February 8.
These initiatives include the Bayanihan E-konsulta, Vaccine Express, Swab Cab and medical assistance program of the OVP.
Section 13 of Comelec Resolution No. 10747 states that candidates are required to secure a certificate of exception for social welfare projects and services.
The OVP earlier suspended its COVID-19 response programs pending the decision of the Comelec on its request.
Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez thanked the Comelec for its decision.
“We thank the COMELEC en banc for their action on the OVP’s request. This will ensure that Angat Buhay projects which have helped hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in the past six years can continue to bring hope to communities all over the Philippines,” he said.