MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines — The local government of Muntinlupa has temporarily halted the release of funds for social welfare initiatives, including burial and medical aid, to comply with the election spending ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2, 2026.
According to city authorities, the suspension affects municipal aid services administered through the Kalingang Munti Action Center (KMAC) and the Mayor’s Action Center at Ospital ng Muntinlupa, spanning from September 18 to November 1.
To prevent prolonged disruptions to essential public assistance, the city administration has formally submitted an exemption petition to COMELEC.
The local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) also notified elderly residents that the election-related restrictions will cause delays in the disbursement of benefits provided under the Octogenarian Program, Handog Kalinga, and the Expanded Centenarian Program.
The spending freeze is mandated by COMELEC Resolution No. 11265, which states that “from September 18, 2026 until November 1, 2026, the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services projects is prohibited, except as authorized by the Comelec.”
The resolution further specifies that from October 23 to November 2, the distribution of government aid—such as Ayuda, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Worker (TUPAD), Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)—is “totally prohibited except medical and burial assistance which are normally given to qualified individuals.”
In addition to social welfare disbursements, COMELEC restrictions prohibit the expenditure of public funds for housing programs, as well as the issuance, utilization, or “availment of Treasury warrants or any device undertaking future delivery of money, goods, or other things of value chargeable against public funds” between September 18 and November 1.
Muntinlupa officials expressed hope that the election body will grant their pending application for exemption to allow the resumption of critical social welfare operations.