Rama orders review of the system of distribution of cash aid

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Rama has ordered a review of the system in the distribution of cash assistance to the victims of typhoon Odette after learning that several affected residents were not included in the list of beneficiaries.

 Rama said he wants the system corrected before the city celebrates its Charter Day on February 24.

The mayor said he encountered some of the typhoon victims who showed him their damaged houses and asked why they were not given the P5,000 financial assistance from the city government.

“Gikan ko nag walk-through, giingnan ko’g ari ra gud Mayor oh, akong balay guba kaayo, guba wala man ko nila tagai, nganong waman ko nila apila? I saw a house, guba, why they have not been listed?” Rama said.

According to the mayor, he could not understand why such a thing was happening.

“Wa ko kasabot! Mao ng mangabot ang storya nga pinili...I do not like that. Panggobyerno nako walay pili!...nganong mamili man ta? Tubaga ko ninyo…tubaga ko! Nganong manimaws man ta?” an angry Rama told the City Hall workers during yesterday’s flag ceremony.

Rama admitted he was moved by some of the typhoon victims showing their damaged houses to him. According to Rama, what made him angry even more was the information that some of those who received the cash assistance were not qualified at all because they do not own a house.

“Inig walk through nako, manuol ang mga tawo with proof nga wala silay nadawat nga tag singko mil. Naay walay balay, nakadawat og singko mil! Naa usa ka balay, tagutlo ang nakadawat,” said Rama.

According to the mayor, the distribution of cash assistance should be spared from politics because the members of the opposition in the City Council were one with him when they approved it.

“I am affected! Nganong masuko man ko?  Nganong di man ko masuko…pag-approve diha sa konseho, didto sa Abellana, wala gyuy nibarog sa minority nga nikontra! Silang tanan nihatag sa ilang approval,” Rama said.

The mayor has called out Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) head Portia Basmayor who is leading the distribution. Rama said he wants to sit down with Basmayor and Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros before February 24 to evaluate the system.

Based on previous reports, DSWS is relying on the barangay officials and the Mayor's Information Liaison Officers (MILO) in the preparation of the list of beneficiaries.

The city government has already released close to P300 million in cash assistance to the affected residents. — FPL (FREEMAN)