Manila social welfare chief faces criticism over viral outburst at Tondo evacuation center
The viral video where MDSW head Jay dela Fuente is shown addressing the residents | Facebook
Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) head Jay dela Fuente is facing criticism after a video showing him confronting displaced residents at an evacuation center in Tondo went viral on social media.
The residents, reportedly from Barangay 20 in Parola and Isla Puting Bato, were temporarily housed at the center after their homes were affected by flooding due to recent typhoons.
In the video, Dela Fuente is seen addressing evacuees, including senior citizens and children and ordering them to vacate the premises.
“Wala kaming ibibigay sa inyo (We have nothing to give you)," Dela Fuente is heard saying repeatedly, adding that the residents were expected to leave by 1 p.m. because high tide had already subsided.
He called on police and social workers to guide the evacuees out of the area.
“Kumain na ba 'to? Kumain na pala kayo eh. Tapos na po. Meron kaming mas malaking problema sa Smokey Mountain. Meron doong landslide. Pakiusap lang ha, gagabayan kayo ng mga social worker. Wala kaming ibibigay sa inyo. Nakakain na kayo. Ang pakiusap ko lang, lumabas na tayo. Sige po, labas na po (Did they eat already? So you’ve already eaten. This is over. We have a bigger problem in Smokey Mountain, there was a landslide there. Please, the social workers will assist you. We have nothing more to give; you’ve already eaten. I’m just asking you to step out now. Please, let’s go)."
Tension escalated when Dela Fuente appeared to scold a barangay chairman present.
A woman, who addressed him as "Sir" and tried to calm him, was met with a sharp rebuke.
The video sparked outrage online, with many criticizing the MDSW chief for his remarks and conduct.
Meanwhile, Dela Fuente stated, “I was not having an outburst”
He explained that he had to speak loudly because he was addressing a large crowd and needed to clarify.
Dela Fuente explained that financial assistance is only provided to those who are totally displaced or to fire victims.
Those affected solely by high tide, such as the evacuees at the center, are instead provided with temporary shelter and meals.
As of this writing, Barangay 20 officials have yet to issue formal statements beyond the initial comments on the incident.