Manila, April 24 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the exemption granted to several aid-related projects of the provincial government of Batangas amounting to PHP273 million amid fears that they could be used to influence voters.

In an en banc decision dated April 21, the Comelec revoked the exemption previously granted by its Law Department to the provincial government of Batangas in connection with the distribution of financial assistance during the election period.

The poll body also directed its Law Department to look into the allegations raised by the group Progressive Allied Batanguenos (PAB) in its complaint and to immediately submit the findings to the en banc.

In an interview on Thursday, Comelec Chairpers...