‘Dead claimants’ prompt OSCA to cleanse aid list

CEBU, Philippines —  The Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) will be “cleansing” its list of beneficiaries while ordering an investigation on the release of financial assistance to the “dead.”

This was the statement of the new OSCA head, Vicente “Enting” Esmeña, in the wake of allegations that some dead persons have been receiving the city government’s cash aid for seniors.

Mayor Michael Rama has also threatened to terminate employees involved in anomalous activities in general.

Esmeña, in an interview, told The FREEMAN that he is still in the process of familiarizing himself with everything in the OSCA since he is still relatively new official.

He assumed office last July after being appointed by Mayor Michael Rama to head the office.

Esmeña, nevertheless, said they are going to investigate recent allegation matter, as well as gather evidence.

He said they are investigating the disbursing officers first.

“Ato gyud ng ipaimbestigar karong panahona… Naa man tay City Hall resident Ombudsman pud… Ato nang gipa-imbestigar ang mga DOs and mga disbursing officers anang baranggaya aron iyang matubag unsay nahitabo nganong nakakubra man,” said Esmeña.

Disbursing officers are personnel coming from different departments since OSCA do not have enough manpower for the distribution.

Esmeña said the investigation should be done right away so that this matter will be resolved soon.

“Kinahanglan gyud nato imbestigahon kay dita ka pinpoint sa mga tawong involved kay wa man ta ka kita pagkubra,” added Esmeña.

Esmeña said they only heard of such questionable distribution in Barangay Apas, where at least three seniors who are already dead were still able to “claim” their financial assistance last month when even the authorization letters have not been accepted as well.

“So far, kana rang sa Apas. Wala man koy nadawat lain. Bag-o pa pud ko diri sa OSCA,” Esmeña said.

While still investigating the matter, Esmeña said they are now in the process of “cleansing” their list of recipients of the financial assistance.

“Nagsige na mig cleansing the payroll para sa sunod namong pagpanghatag, ato na na siyang malikayan,” Esmeña added.

By cleansing, OSCA is going to take out those who have already died, as well as those not able to claim for three consecutive months.

Esmeña said he is also asking for the help of their satellite offices and the barangays to update the list.

Aside from that, Esmeña said they are looking at reshuffling disbursing officers every payout.

Rama’s Warning

At yesterday’s flag raising, Rama mentioned that there will be a portion of the ceremony to showcase the achievements of each department and even employees.

Although he did not specifically mention about the issue on false claimants of financial aid for seniors, he mentioned about stealing.

“Pwede mo moingon, ang akong ipanghinanambog, wa nako mangawat… kawatan diay siya kaniadto, kuha ninyo? Pero kanang mga tawhana, taktak naman na ug itaktak gyud na!” said Rama.

Rama warned employees not to take his word for granted.

“Trust me. Do not take your Mayor for granted… I will do it! Magklaruhay ta!” he said.

“Kay daghan kaayong nanarbaho, pirting daghanag trabaho, matag sayo, matug dugay, trabaho, mata na sag sayo. Kamo?” he added.

The mayor also disclosed having signed a memo regarding the implementation of suspension for employees caught clocking in or out someone else’s time card.

“I just signed an implementation of suspension sa mga tawo nagpanso-panso sa laing tawo… Swerte mo nga ang recommendation, suspension lang. Kung akoy pabut-on, termination,” said Rama. - JMD (FREEMAN)