DMW TO COMELEC: EXEMPT OFW FINANCIAL AID FROM POLL SPENDING BAN

DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Saturday urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt from the election spending ban the implementation of its financial assistance to overseas workers.

Cacdac said responding immediately to distress calls from abroad is part of DMW’s responsibility.

“Kasi ‘di ba during campaign periods may mga prohibitions on handling out financial assistance at saka sa mga appointments and promotions and transfer,” he said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“We usually seek exemption from the Comelec kasi exigency ng service sa linya ng trabaho namin,” he said.

“Kung kailangang mayroong i-deploy na tao overseas, hindi kailangang maghintay iyon ng after the elections. Emergency na iyon. Kailangan na iyon ng OFWs natin. So, we seek exemption from the Comelec,” Cacdac said.

He added they are also partnering with Comelec on its campaign to encourage migrant workers to vote for this year’s elections.