Koko to pols: Stay away from ayuda distribution

MANILA, Philippines — Politicians should stay away from in-person distribution of ayuda or financial assistance from the government so as not to mislead the public that the aid comes from them, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said yesterday.

The mere presence of certain politicians in the distribution of ayuda, like the Pantawid para sa Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and benefits for solo parents, gives the impression that the money came from the politicians’ pockets, according to Pimentel.

“No. 1, when it comes to the actual distribution of money, politicians should exit (from the venue). They should not give the impression that the money comes from them, and actual politicians or staff should not be allowed, and also avoid even joking that the money comes from
 politicians,” he said in an interview over radio station dzBB.

The senator, however, admitted that during ayuda distribution, when the event would take place at 3 p.m., people would already be at the venue as early as 1 p.m., thus positive messages from some politicians and government leaders could inspire beneficiaries.

“What I see is that there is waiting time. And at 1 p.m., (beneficiaries) are already at the venue, even though the actual distribution is still at 3 p.m., so there are invited speakers. That’s the reality. To not waste time and have a good and inspirational message, that’s okay. But when it comes to actual distribution, politicians should be asked to leave the venue,” Pimentel said.

Reports had it that the government aid, like 4Ps, AIC, MAIP, TUPAD and benefits for solo parents were offered to individuals in exchange for affixing their signatures in the ongoing people’s initiative (PI) pushing to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The PI being initiated by the People’s Initiative for Reform and Modernization Action (PIRMA) was also pushing for Congress to vote as one and jointly, thus diminishing the power of the 24 senators as against 316 congressmen.

Review aid programs

Meanwhile, Pimentel said that President Marcos should order a review of government programs involving the distribution of financial assistance to the poorest of the poor to avoid “ayuda scam” or leakage and wastage of people’s money.

Pimentel made the call after a resource person, during a public hearing of the Senate committee on public order chaired by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa last week, presented five identification cards and admitted being a recipient of financial assistance of five different programs of the government.

“During Sen. Bato’s committee hearing, someone showed five IDs. It seems to them that (getting ayuda) was just for fun. And when he got the money, he would just share it with others, maybe with members of the groups who took advantage of the government programs,” Pimentel said in the same dzBB interview.

He added that the government should also rationalize the assistance being provided to the people in need.

“We need to rationalize (the government financial assistance program). We can’t deny that we really need to provide help now. Times are tough. But let’s give assistance to those who really need it. Spread it. A parent may not really be raising a child, and just for enjoyment. That’s what we want to avoid,” he said.

“If a ranking will be made about the status of the family’s economic capacity, ensure that they are among the poorest in the society. Some are just playing with the system as if they need assistance while they really have a job. So it’s a waste if five (types of assistance) go to one family. If the aid goes to what those who should get it, the beneficiaries might have started a business. The syndicate only wants to get the same amount,” he added.

The Senate minority leader is hopeful that the Senate committees – public order and Blue Ribbon committee, chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano – can get to the bottom of the matter.

“Two Senate committees will have separate investigations – Sen. Bato on allegations in the Davao area involving one or two provinces and the other one in San Juan that the Senate Blue Ribbon, both are good investigators. I’m sure the truth will come out and they will find out if there will be evidence or just pure baseless claims. Let’s wait,” he said.