Administration bets use 4Ps for politics?

CEBU, Philippines – Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the Municipality of Tuburan have complained that they were allegedly threatened by their barangay captains to be delisted if they don't vote for their mayor.

The complaints came despite repeated assurances made by the Department of Social Welfare and Development that no mayors can touch the 4Ps beneficiaries to advance their political interest.

A certain Daisy Estenzo, 40, of Barangay Putat, claimed they were told by Barangay Captain Rodel dela Cerna last Friday that DSWD Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman is just a text away to delist their names.

"Mando kuno na sa kauluhan," said Estenzo, who has been receiving P3,600 every two months for her three children studying in elementary and high school.

Geraldine Sinco, 40, of the same barangay, also claimed being told the same by dela Cerna.

Sinco, who has been receiving P2,200 every two months for her two children, said she stands firm with the Suezo family who is supporting the mayoralty bid of Daphne Arias Lagon against Mayor Democrito "Aljun" Diamante.

Dr. Erwin Evales and James Gallarde, both candidates for councilor along with Lagon under One Cebu Party, disclosed that same acts are also happening in 53 other barangays. Putat is the biggest barangay in Tuburan with 2,600 voters.

Lagon said she received reports that Diamante also threatened the 700 scholars of the Commission on Higher Education through Representative Gwendolyn Garcia that they will be delisted if they don't support him.

Dela Cerna refused to comment on the allegations but Diamante denied it.

"Dili na tinuod ilaha rana nga propaganda. Grabe gani ilang pang-harass mamugos sa mga tawo," Diamante said.

Diamante is seeking re-election for his third and final term under Liberal Party.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza denied a similar accusation from Tantan Sabalones Jr., a candidate for councilor under Team Kusgano.

Sabalones claimed that Radaza threatened 4Ps beneficiaries during a morning activity at the Hoops Dome yesterday.

Radaza said the morning activity was a unity walk made by the beneficiaries of 4Ps that started from the city's auditorium going to Hoops Dome to express support to the conditional cash transfer program bill.

She said the activity was similar to that of Cebu City on February 6.

"This is just like the one (activity) held in Cebu City in support of the passage of the bill because they want it to be permanent as it helped them a lot. I was invited and was supposed to give an inspirational talk but I was not feeling well. I asked City Councilor Eddie Cuizon to go there," she said.

In a text message, Sabalones claimed that members of 4Ps were threatened to be removed from the city government's list of 4Ps beneficiaries.

"Gihakot sa mga Radaza ang tanang miyembro sa 4Ps diri sa Lapu-Lapu paingun ngadto sa Hoops Dome. Kini dala ang pagpugos og paghulga tawon sa mga miyembro gikan sa mga kapitan nga tangtangon kini kun ugaling dili katambong sa maong tigum karung buntag (Saturday morning)," Sabalones said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)