Over use of agency’s programs: DSWD reminds poll candidates

CEBU, Philippines —  Local government officials or candidates in the elections do not have authority over programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD-7 officer-in-charge Rebecca Geamala warned the public, especially DSWD program beneficiaries, against politicians who may use the department’s programs in their campaign or, worse, coerce beneficiaries to vote for them.

Geamala said a candidate cannot remove a beneficiary from a DSWD program like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or threaten to do so if the beneficiary will not vote for the candidate.

“It is only the DSWD that can recommend additional beneficiaries to the program based on the Listahanan database and as of now we do not have expansion of the program.

There is no additional 4P’s beneficiary since the moratorium issued in 2016 has not been lifted yet,” Geamala said.

“A 4Ps household can only be removed from the program if it does not comply with the program conditions or does not have children eligible for monitoring,” she added.

She also called on the public not to spread incorrect information that local officials or candidates have authority over DSWD programs.

She urged the public, especially program beneficiaries, to report candidates that use or exploit DSWD programs for their campaign.

She said the public may channel their complaint through the Pantawid Pamilya offices in the city or municipality, through the DSWD official Facebook account, or through text at 0918-912-2813.

Geamala called on candidates to keep their hands off of government programs, even as the programs are coursed through local officials.

She said DSWD personnel, for one, are prohibited from campaigning under Civil Service rules.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista has ordered the department’s regional offices to conduct payouts and other activities in neutral grounds and venues to avoid political campaigning. —  JMO (FREEMAN)