‘Probe delay in shelter aid to typhoon victims’

MANILA, Philippines — Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista has ordered an investigation into the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) that the distribution of emergency shelter assistance to victims of Typhoon Nina in December 2016 has been delayed.

Bautista convened the executive committee of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and instructed concerned regional field offices to provide information on the distribution of shelter assistance to typhoon victims.

He noted that the DSWD is under “new management,” referring to his assumption of the top DSWD post only last Nov. 16 after his retirement from the military.

Judy Taguiwalo headed the DSWD when Typhoon Nina hit Calabarzon and Bicol.

“We assure the public that the department will follow the recommendations of the COA on how to resolve the issue. Rest assured that funds entrusted to the department are spent judiciously for rightful beneficiaries,” Bautista said.