MANILA, Philippines – Former Department of Finance undersecretary and UP economics professor Dr. Cielo Magno on Monday criticized the government’s move to reduce funding for long-term poverty programs in favor of one-time cash aid, saying the shift fails to address the growing number of poor Filipinos.
Magno pointed to the defunding of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) in favor of AKAP and TUPAD, describing it as a move designed more to secure political support than to sustainably uplift the poor. She also flagged issues in PhilHealth, claiming that politicians reroute public funds to their own medical assistance programs, forcing citizens to depend on them for basic services. “Nakakaawa ang taumbayan,” she said, lamenting how taxes are paid but essential services still come with strings attached.