Press Release - Amid alleged misuse of gov't programs to push for PI, Bong Go calls out DSWD for delays in pending aid intended for indigents and crisis victims

During a Senate hearing conducted on February 13 chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his dismay regarding delays in the distribution of government assistance intended for indigents and crisis affected communities. He stressed this amid allegations made that the same programs are being used to push for the People's Initiative.

"Noong nakaraang mga hearings, lumalabas na nagamit diumano ang mga programa ng gobyerno kapalit ng pagpapapirma sa isinusulong na People's Initiative... Mistulang nagagamit po ang mga programa ng gobyerno sa pulitika," Go said referring to DSWD's Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

He warned against the potential exploitation of such government programs intended to uplift lives of the poor just to push ulterior motives of some entities by using it in exchange for signatures for the PI petition.

"Ang iba sa ating mga kababayan hindi alam ang pinirmahan nila at ang iba po'y tinatakpan nga po, ganito ang mga forms, pinapapirmahan sa kanila. At lumalabas rin po na may binibigay na coupon na katumbas umano ng ayuda kapalit ang pirma. At sino po ang magbabayad ng pinangakong ayuda? DSWD ba?," he questioned while showing sample sign-up forms where the header stating the intent of the petition is covered to mislead the public that they are signing up for government aid.

Go condemned such practices, emphasizing "Walang kapalit dapat ang tulong mula gobyerno." He added that if such allegations are true, it is disheartening that assistance intended for qualified beneficiaries are being delayed or diverted.

"Habang naglalabasan ang mga isyung ito, libu-libong namang mga benepisyaryo ang naghihintay ng ayuda mula sa departamento," he said.

Go also referenced a commitment made by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during a budget hearing on September last year, assuring prompt payouts for validated lists of qualified beneficiaries.

"Ang sabi po ni Secretary Gatchalian, mag-submit lang ang LGU ng list of beneficiaries at iba-validate at ipi-pay-out ng DSWD yung mga qualified beneficiaries. Ibig sabihin, kayo po ang nagdi-determine kung qualified sila at mahihirap sila. Uulitin ko, pera po ito ng