Solon questions DSWD's bank account for SAF donations

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker questioned the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for opening a bank account for donations to be given to the slain Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos.

Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Emmi De Jesus compared DSWD Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman to PNP chief Alan Purisima who was trying to clear his name from controversies.

“Dahil ba sa maraming iskandalo ukol sa Conditional Cash Transfer, pagtatago ng homeless mula sa Santo Papa, at marami pang anomalya sa kanyang ahensya, at nais niyang maghugas kamay at makabawi sa sunod-sunod na batikos?" De Jesus said.

Soliman was criticized for sending street children and homeless families to a resort in Batangas during the five-day visit of Pope Francis in the country.

“The DSWD must also first clean house and put its finances and its faulty anti-poverty alleviation philosophy in order before it keeps asking the public to part with their offerings," De Jesus added.

De Jesus noted that the government should be donating funds to families of the fallen police commandos instead of hiding them.