Magpale defends Capitol program for elderly

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale was quick to defend the legitimacy of the senior citizens program dubbed as “Halad sa Gugma Alang Kang Lolo ug Lola.”

This after the legal adviser of One Cebu asked the provincial government for the names of beneficiaries and sources of funds.

Lawyer Mel Abnir Amadora, in a March 1 letter addressed to Governor Hilario Davide III, requested for the list of names of beneficiaries, including the sources of funds used.

“…I may therefore request the names of the beneficiaries and the corresponding donation, whether in money or in kind that each once received and the source of funds used in these activities…” the letter reads.

Amadora explained that the request was in response to Magpale’s “invitation and challenge” to inquire on the program as part of the administration’s policy of transparency.

Magpale, in an interview yesterday, said they are willing to heed Amadora’s request to prove that “everything is well-documented.”

She showed the documents to reporters yesterday.

She opined, however, that the request might have something to do with politics.

“We are ready what they are asking for. We have all the records. This program has been very well implemented in the most transparent manner,” she said.

Through the program, elders get cans of milk, rice, and other goods. It is a continuing program for seniors, which started last year.

At least 26,851 seniors from 156 barangays in the province benefited from the program from January to December last year with P15.96 million as budget. This year, Capitol allocated P15.95 million for the implementation of the program. Funds were sourced from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Magpale explained that the lists of beneficiaries came from the barangays themselves. The goods that would be brought to them are based on the actual list. — (FREEMAN)