The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) approved the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) request for an exemption on fuel subsidy programs for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, according to a report by RH 9 Tina Nolasco.

Previously, COMELEC prohibited the provision of financial assistance and the implementation of other beneficial programs in view of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“Na-exempt na po namin ang fuel subsidy ng LTFRB sa social services,” COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said.

According to online reports, the exemption includes the Libreng Sakay and Public Transport Modernization Program assistance given monthly, said COMELEC Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco.

However, assistance from programs Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are on hold from October 23 to November 2, except for medical and burial assistance.