Hundreds of senior citizens in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are hoping to receive their P10,000 cash incentives before the election spending ban takes effect.

The financial aid is part of the Expanded Centenarians Act, benefiting senior citizens who are 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old.

For many elderly beneficiaries, the money is crucial for daily needs, especially medicine and food.

“Pambili din kasi ‘yan ng gamot at makakain din namin, sana ma-release na at huwag na abutan ng election period,” Letecia Cabrera, one of the senior citizens waiting for the release, said.

According to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Mangaldan, 737 seniors are eligible for the incentive — 280 from last year’s list and 547 new beneficiaries.

However, in the initial release, only over 40 seniors will receive the aid.

Ruben Reside, the head of OSCA, said all necessary documents have been processed and are just awaiting payroll release.

“Na-process na ‘yung mga papers nila at waiting na lang sa payroll, sabi naman sakaling abutan ay hihingi naman ng exemption,” he said.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has granted exemptions to 28 social service programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), allowing cash assistance distribution even during the election period.

However, COMELEC prohibits the presence of candidates and campaign materials during aid distribution strictly.

“’Yung inilabas ng Commission on Elections na mga exempted na social services ay mga conditions ‘yan na dapat i-comply ng DSWD nang sa ganun ay hindi ma-violate ‘yung tinatawag na abuse of state resources,” COMELEC Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Reddy Balarbar said.

Under COMELEC Resolution 11060, social service funds cannot be disbursed 45 days before election day.

A total ban on the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program takes effect 10 days before elections, except for aid related to medicine, food, education, and funeral assistance.