DSWD: Welfare programs not funding Cha-cha vote-buying campaign

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday denied Senator Imee Marcos' allegation that two of its financial aid programs were used to gather signatures in support of charter change.

«As the government's frontline social protection agency, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to provide all kinds of assistance to the poor and vulnerable within the bounds set by existing rules and guidelines,» the agency said.

«Rain or shine, our hard working social workers are always ready to render assistance to those in need,» it added. «The only consideration for the distribution of aid for the indigent and those in crisis situation is their current circumstance as assessed by our social workers in the DSWD Central Office, satellite offices and the various field offices.»

Marcos said ₱20 million was being offered per district to hasten the people's initiative, one of the ways to propose constitutional amendments.

She also said ₱5 million came from the DSWD's Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program and its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.

READ: Imee Marcos: ₱20 million offered per district to buy votes for Cha-Cha

Marcos added that the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment had also supported the signature gathering campaign.

The DOH denied involvement in the scheme on Wednesday.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman earlier said Ako Bicol coordinators released funds to buy voters’ signatures for ₱100 each.

Former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. told CNN Philippines’ The Source that mayors in Albay province were the ones who want constitutional reform and who had initiated the signature campaign.