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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD berated for alleged 'selective' cash aid payout

DSWD berated for alleged 'selective' cash aid payout

Published Apr 23, 2024 11:48 am

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, April 23 reprimanded officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for seemingly being “selective” in the implementation of its cash aid programs.

Go particularly directed his concern towards DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and DSWD Regional Director Maria Angela Gopalan, accusing them of using the government’s cash aid program—particularly the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)—for politics.

The senator complained he received information about the DSWD’s supposed explicit order not to mention his name when his office is distributing assistance to victims of fire and other calamities in some areas.

“Totoo ba na bawal banggitin ang aking pangalan pero sa ibang politiko hindi po bawal (Is it true that my name cannot be mentioned but other politician’s name can be cited)?” Go asked during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Social Justice chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos.

Marcos’ committee was hearing the various pending measures that seek to institutionalize the AICS program.

During the hearing, Gopalan denied there was such an instruction not to mention the senator’s name during the program but the agency deemed it fit not to mention any names during the distribution.

At this, Go said he has no qualms if his name is not mentioned but told the DSWD it should not be “selective.”

Go also lamented that he was prohibited to go to the program, but other politicians are allowed.

“Tanong ko, pera nyo ba yan? Pera ng taumbayan ‘yan, maam. Hindi nyo po pera yan (My question is, is that your money? It’s the people’s money, maam. It’s not your money). Just be fair with us,” he further railed.

The senator also pointed out that AICS recipient would wait for the cash aid for some months. However, this would be immediately given and even doubled when it is the DSWD chief that would personally distribute the aid.

This prompted him to ask Gatchalian if he is running for the Senate in the upcoming polls.
But the DSWD chief denied this.

“I am not running for the Senate. I have no intention of running for the Senate,” Gatchalian responded to Go’s question.

“I’m not using the office for my politics and I categorically state that I am not running for any position this coming elections,” he stressed.

Related Tags

Bong Go Rex Gatchalian DSWD AICS
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