The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a public notice Wednesday clarifying that its worker assistance program is not affiliated with any political campaigns ahead of the country’s May 2025 elections.

In a “Notice to the Public” posted on FB, DOLE said the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides temporary employment to disadvantaged workers over 18, operates independently of electoral activities and is not associated with any candidates or political parties in the upcoming May 12, 2025, national and local elections.

DOLE pointed out that civil servants and politicians are prohibited from engaging in electoral campaigns, either directly or indirectly.

The department urged the public to report any unauthorized political use of the program through their hotline or regional offices.

TUPAD, implemented either directly by DOLE or through partner organizations, serves as a community-based safety net offering wage employment opportunities to eligible workers.

Fears about the potential misuse of government programs for political purposes have been a recurring issue in Philippine elections.

Previous electoral cycles have seen allegations of politicians attempting to use social programs to gain voter favor, leading to stricter monitoring of government assistance programs during campaign period.