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JV Ejercito: Zamora's 'vindictive' leadership has terrorized San Juan residents

Philippines | National

JV Ejercito: Zamora's 'vindictive' leadership has terrorized San Juan residents

By Hannah L. Torregoza

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Thursday, February 29 said some residents of San Juan City are terrorized by Mayor Francis Zamora’s “vindictive” leadership.

“People are being terrorized, especially those super political…because he’s very deceiving,” Ejercito said in English and Filipino during a Kapihan sa Senado forum.

Ejercito described Zamora as someone soft-spoken and seems very kind, but is actually the opposite.

“Just like in the movies, when he is on camera he looks kind. But off-cam, I feel sorry for the people,” he said.

“I told him, let’s just fight among ourselves because the people are suffering,” he added.

Ejercito earlier disclosed the alleged “ayuda scam” concerning the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and other social assistance initiatives in the city.

In his privilege speech on Tuesday’s Senate plenary session, the senator presented two pieces of vide evidence showing how some local officials in San Juan are exploiting the system, taking advantage of transaction fees and kickbacks to utilize the funds intended for the needy.

The Senate has been investigating the widespread corruption in various local government units (LGUs) using government social programs.

“These aid mechanisms have become instruments for political ambition. Instead of going to beneficiaries, they are used to reward allies and bankroll operators,” the senator pointed out.

“In other words, they are used for patronage politics,” he emphasized.

The families of both camps have long been political rivals in San Juan City. Zamora ended the 50-year leadership of the Estrada clan in 2019.

Related Tags

jv ejercito mayor francis zamora san juan city TUPAD

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