Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party List lawmaker House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva calls on the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units (LGUs) to continue validating the list of their Social Amelioration Funds (SAP) beneficiaries to ensure eligible or low-income families benefit from the government assistance.
The CIBAC solon says this after numerous reports reach his group the list of SAP recipients in some local government units are laden with ineligible persons such as those not belonging to low-income families, relatives or family members of barangay officials that are relatively well-off and even those working in the formal sector. There are also reports that some beneficiaries are identified or endorsed by village officials and not subjected to thorough DSWD validation anymore.
“It is reported that the same recipients will be given cash aid during the second wave of SAP distribution. However, I call on DSWD field staff and village officials to be extra judicious and fair in the distribution of the assistance. In case there are questions or clamor as to the eligibility of some beneficiaries, the DSWD and concerned LGU must look into it, reassess, and settle the case before the people so as to eliminate any doubt on the implementation of the program,” says Deputy Speaker Villanueva.
According to the President’s Report last Monday, a hefty P100 billion is allotted for the social amelioration funds. P80 billion of these will be for the first wave of P5,000-8,000 cash subsidies to low-income families nationwide who are not beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or recipients of cash aid given to Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS)/Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) sector in the National Capital Region (NCR). The distribution of P5,000-P8,000 cash subsidies will have its second wave of release this May, but reportedly only in areas that will be placed under the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
“We must utilize these limited government funds to protect the most vulnerable sectors first. We must vigilantly guard against cunning devises by opportunistic people to rob our poor families with their much-needed cash aid amidst this quarantine period,” ends the CIBAC lawmaker.
