Suspension of Work Done by Administration Before General Elections.
Section 7
SEC. 7. Suspension of Work Done by Administration Before General Elections.—The provisions of any existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, regardless of the source of funds, within forty-five days before every general election, no laborer shall be employed or money spent in any public works project even if the money is actually released before or within such period except for: Ordinary maintenance work on existing and/or completed public works projects: Provided, That there is no increase over the number of usual laborers or employees employed therein sixty days prior to the beginning of this forty-five-day period: Provided, further, That no extra gang of laborers are employed within the said period of forty-five days; Work undertaken by contract through public bidding held before the forty-five-day period: Provided, That work for the purpose of this section undertaken under the so-called "takay" or "paquiao" system shall not be considered as work by contract; Payment for the usual cost of preparation of working drawings, specifications, bills of materials, estimates, and other procedures preparatory to actual construction, including the purchase of materials and equipment, and all incidental expenses for wages of watchmen and other laborers employed for such work in the central offices and field storehouses before the beginning of such period: Provided, That the number of such laborers shall not be increased over the number hired when the project or projects were commenced; Emergency work necessitated by the occurrence of a public calamity, but such work shall be limited to the restoration of the damaged facility and shall further be "rnited to funds available for maintenance.