LP bets using 4Ps in third district?

CEBU, Philippines - Liberal Party candidates in the third district of Cebu are allegedly using the structure and system of the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the campaign.

 Congressional candidate and incumbent Provincial Board member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero and Pinamungajan Councilor Anthony 'Tonton" Yapha, who is running for the provincial board, were allegedly distributing "yellow cards" to all 4Ps beneficiaries.

Zaballero and Yapha are tapping the list and leaders of the 4Ps in pushing for their candidacies as well as that of Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo.

All the 4Ps beneficiaries in Pinamungajan and the entire third district were reportedly given "yellow cards" with the name "Gasa sa Gugma Movement ni Gigi Sanchez."

In Pinamungajan, the yellow cards bear the photos of Roxas, Robredo, Sanchez, and Yapha. It also states the name, precinct number and voters' ID number of the "bonafide member" of the group.

Those who distributed the yellow cards have a computerized list of 4Ps beneficiaries, as well as their children 18 years old and above. Sanchez's distribution allegedly uses the parent-leaders in the 4Ps program in the barangays.

The yellow cards did not state what benefits the members will get but they were told "verbally" about it.

Zaballero clarified that the distribution of the "yellow cards" was not limited to 4Ps beneficiaries.

"Basin gusto sad sila mangayo kay ako hatagan," she said.

According to Zaballero, even her opponent, incumbent Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia had her Gwen cards distributed to her scholars.

"What's wrong with that? In a campaign, it's like that," Zaballero said.

The One Cebu party earlier issued a warning that it will file charges against municipal and city social welfare officers who will use the 4Ps for electioneering and politicking.

In fact, several cases have already been filed against Zaballero, Governor Hilario Davide III and other officials for the P40 million "Gasa sa Kabarangayan," a beautification project implemented also in the third district.

Barangay captains had said that they were asked to use part of the "Gasa" money (P1 million per barangay) to pay for street sweepers but that they were allegedly told to return P750,000 to a Capitol official. — (FREEMAN)