BAGUIO CITY – During the Baguio City Council’s June 24 regular session, Councilor Jose Molintas raised concerns once again about the alleged “politicization” of government relief programs.
Along with other city council members, Molintas quizzed representatives of national agencies on the logistics and implementation of various relief efforts in the city such as Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
He sought clarification on certain issues to avoid direct involvement of politicians in relief efforts and ensure strict adherence to regulations and fairness in the application process.
Molintas stressed that the preparation and distribution of relief ayuda should remain non-political.
He cited instances where a certain politician attended orientations of beneficiaries and gave speeches, giving the impression that the funding came from them personally.
Emerito Narag, OIC Asisstant Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment -Cordillera (DOLE) said their office strives to avoid political perceptions in the distribution of ayuda by using money remittance centers or handing the payouts directly.
He acknowledged Molintas’ suggestion to document and monitor the process more closely to avoid political influences.
Narag further clarified that while the core funding comes from DOLE’s budget, politicians can request funds from DOLE through formal channels.
If approved, politicians are referred to as sponsors or proponents, not because they provide the money directly, but because they facilitate the allocation through DOLE.
He said this is clearly explained during orientation sessions to maintain integrity in program operations.
Mary Ann Buclao of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera (DSWD) said they adhere to standard operating procedures and ISO certification in implementing their programs offering social services and stressed that funds for these programs originate from their department and not sponsors.
Molintas also expressed concern on the issuance of the residency certification, a requirement for applying for relief provision, which, he claimed, can be politicized.
He noted that it is easier for individuals who support a particular politician to obtain the certification.
He also asserted that complaints had arisen regarding favoritism and unfair practices at the grassroots level, citing instances where residents were charged P100.00 for certifications that should be provided free of charge.
Additionally, he mentioned that some barangay officials often prioritize their own family members or close associates, who repeatedly benefit from the program, while other residents are not given the same opportunities.
The city council members strongly urged the concerned departments to address these issues promptly and effectively.
Meanwhile, Councilor Arthur Allad-iw emphasized the need for coordination between different government entities such as DOLE and DSWD to avoid duplication of benefits and ensure fair distribution.
He stressed that, currently, there is a lack of coordination, leading to some families receiving benefits multiple times while others are left out.
Narag suggested that different offices should share data about profiled beneficiaries to prevent overlap and ensure efficient use of resources.
The majority of the council members voted in favor of Molintas’ and Allad-iw’s oral motion requesting DOLE and DSWD to submit narrative reports and documentation for activities related to the grant of benefits under TUPAD, AKAP, and AICS.
This measure is to ensure transparency, assist in monitoring the programs, and prevent the politicization of these activities.
The motion also calls for the creation of a database documenting the implementation of these programs over the past two years in the city to aid in monitoring and evaluating their distribution and impact.
Furthermore, the motion urges the two agencies to directly implement these programs to avoid political interference and ensure that the aid reaches the intended beneficiaries without bias or favoritism.