CENTRAL VISAYAS: Amid concerns over the politicization of social welfare assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 confirmed the distribution of PHP12.7 million in financial aid to 6,353 residents in this capital city over the week.
According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, the payouts were part of the PHP4 billion in DSWD funds that fall under exemptions specified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Lucero explained that resolutions No. 07512 and No. 08647 allow for the DSWD's routine services, activities, and programs to be exempted from Comelec bans. "The giving of financial assistance for burial, medical, education, transportation, and other needs are covered by those exemptions," said Lucero.
The payouts, specifically timed for the period between October 20 and 30, continue as planned, focusing on pre-identified beneficiaries based on individual needs. Each recipient received PHP2,000. Lucero’s comments come in response to residents who complained to the media and to Comelec that the financial assistance was politicized, with beneficiaries being selectively chosen by incumbent barangay officials.
Lucero emphasized that the DSWD does not control the identification of beneficiaries. Instead, barangays identify and recommend beneficiaries to the local government unit, which in turn requests assistance from the DSWD. These applicants are subsequently validated by social workers before being listed for financial assistance. Lucero stated that in case of any complaints concerning misuse or abuse of government assistance, an investigation can be ordered.
Comelec acting provincial election supervisor, Eliseo Labaria, said that they could not act on the complaints they received about the cash aid distribution as they do not have firsthand information. However, he advised people to file inquiries or complaints via the Comelec hotline under its Oplan Kontra Bigay campaign. Labaria also mentioned that his office has not received a copy of the resolutions that exempt DSWD's activities from Comelec regulations as of Saturday.