Manila, April 10 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao Region) clarified Thursday that its programs and services are not connected to or involved in any election activities.

The clarification follows Memorandum 24-09014 issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in January, which exempts 28 DSWD programs and projects from the election spending ban under Section 261 (v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), allowing the continued release of public funds for these programs during the election period.

"These programs are designed for the welfare and development of the community," the agency said in a statement.

DSWD-11 assured the public that its implementation remains aligned with the mandate of the C...