MANILA, May 5 -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of uninterrupted welfare and reintegration services after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) granted the agency an exemption from the election spending ban.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Comelec has approved the exemption for seven key programs under Section 261 (V) of the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution No. 11060, which prohibits the disbursement of public funds for social services between March 28 and May 11 -or 45 days before the May 12 elections.

Among the exempted programs are the distribution of assistance through the AKSYON Fund and core reintegration initiatives such as Sa 'Pinas, Ikaw ang ...