BACOLOD CITY (PNA) — The Bacolod City government is seeking approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), through Chairman Jose Melo, for exemption from expenditure, including donations, for its various projects which are in line with the implementation of its institutionalized programs and services.

City Legal Office head, lawyer Joselito Bayatan said that City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is requesting exemption from the prohibition with regards the city government’s public expenditures that include monthly donations to public school teachers, uniformed personnel and national government officials.

Bayatan added that the city government is also asking an exemption from regular donations to various charitable institution and non-government organizations, civic organizations, financial assistance to various indigents where it concerns medical and burial expenses, Bacolod City Police Office retirees’ allowances, donation to senior citizens and veterans, and the Department of Education.

The city government cited that the abovementioned are its regular projects in consonance with the provisions of the Local Government Code.

Leonardia said projects are regular financial support services given by the city government to the different sectors of society whose needs may arise anytime.

“It is our fervent hope that these basic services will not be hampered by the election ban in furtherance of satisfying the needs of the citizens of Bacolod,” he said.

Leonardia stressed “no advantage can be taken by any public official running for office in these projects because the same are being undertaken in the name of the city with or without elections."