Partylist groups say ayuda is okay, but…

CEBU, Philippines — Two partylist groups expressed their opinion regarding the ongoing ayuda program of the current administration.

OFW Partylist first nominee Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino, in a press conference yesterday, said she has nothing against the giving of ayuda to those who really need it, as after all it is the people’s money.

“I have nothing against it. Kung meron mang pondo man na ibigay para sa atin, ibibigay ko po basta yan po ay well-compensated ang ating mga kababayan. Well-deserved no less. Galing din naman yan sa taxes natin. Sa lahat, sa remittances ng OFWs. Wala man tayong ihingi na utang na loob dahil para sa atin yan. So, pakinabangan natin yan para sa ating pamilya,” said Magsino.

Bagong Henerasyon or BH Partylist, which is a movement for progress, empowerment, and a brighter future for all Filipinos wants ayuda by the government to be in the form of micro-entrepreneurship instead of mere dole-outs.

BH Partylist first nominee Robert Nazal said in a separate interview that as much as possible ayuda must be given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development not just any government agencies and must be free from politics.

Nazal said that they continue to bat for strengthening access to quality education and scholarships, providing job opportunities and business support, championing student rights and leadership initiatives, and ensuring safe and sustainable communities.

“Dapat talaga yung ayuda ay mapupunta sa poorest of the poor hindi yung kung sino-sino lang,” said Nazal.

Magsino stressed on the importance of Overseas Electronic Registration and Voting Act (House Bill No. 10178) or the Internet Voting Bill which the party list principally authored.

The bill is already approved on third reading.

She also urged all OFWs to vote as online voting for OFWs already began from April 13 to May 12; this as COMELEC data shows that of 1.69 million registered overseas voters in 2022, about 35.5% only have voted.

Magsino emphasized the need for fair and proper enforcement of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021), following the Senate holding a consultative hearing recently on its implementation, particularly on the issue of mandatory remittances.

Magsino, one of the principal authors, said the measure provides institutional safeguards for more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers, whose contributions to the economy remain vital.

Magsino also called all OFWs to be cautious against scams especially, in response to the alarming cases of suicide in relation to financial issues among OFWs in Hong Kong, which was recently discussed during the Senate hearing.

She said that OFWs should not fall victims of loan sharks, investment scams, and love scams as one way of protecting their hard-earned money. — (FREEMAN)