Comelec grants LTFRB exemption from election spending restrictions

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) an exemption allowing it to proceed with select programs despite the election spending ban in force ahead of next year's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced the approval on Monday, permitting the LTFRB to continue operations on programs deemed essential during the pre-election period. The exemption recognizes the regulatory board's mandate to maintain critical transportation services and licensing functions that cannot be reasonably deferred until after the electoral period concludes.

The decision reflects efforts by the poll body to balance electoral restrictions with the operational requirements of government agencies. The LTFRB had submitted documentation outlining which programs require continuity to avoid service disruptions and protect public interest in the transportation sector.

The 2026 barangay and SK elections are scheduled to proceed under standard Comelec protocols, with various spending restrictions applied to prevent misuse of government resources during the campaign period. The LTFRB exemption marks one of several accommodations the commission has made for essential government functions during election years.