JV Ejercito reveals corruption in San Juan City’s social aid programs
February 27, 2024
Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito
exposed on Tuesday the alleged "ayuda scam" concerning the Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, and
other social assistance initiatives.
The social assistance programs of the
government such as the TUPAD program, under the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), among others, were intended to uplift the marginalized
sector by providing essential aid.
During his privilege speech in Tuesday’s
plenary session, Ejercito presented two pieces of video evidence revealing some
local officials in San Juan City who exploited the system. Allegedly, they took
advantage of transaction fees and kickbacks to divert funds intended for the
needy.
“A victim from Brgy. Balongbato in San Juan
City states that he was approached by the staff of a councilor. Binigyan siya
ng transaction code para sa Palawan Express. At inutusan siya na i-claim ang
7,500-pesos na TUPAD,” the senator said.
“Pero sabi daw ni Councilor, isang-libo lang
daw ang mapupunta sa biktima. Ang 6,500 pesos naman, ikakaltas at isasantabi
para ‘kay Mayor’.” he added.
It can be recalled that testimonies from
Senate committee hearings revealed a grim picture of widespread corruption in
the local governments using social aid initiatives.
"Nakakapang-hinayang at nakaka-suka.
Dahil ang pera na dapat para sa mga kapos-palad, nagiging puhunan ng mga
makapangyarihan."
"These aid mechanisms have become
instruments for political ambition. Instead of going to beneficiaries, they are
used to reward allies and bankroll operators. In other words, they are used for
patronage politics."
Ejercito said the government should focus on
generating jobs in the long term, instead of pouring billions into
"emergency employment" programs.
On the national level, the lawmaker added that
the government can generate jobs by spending on infrastructure, — like roads,
ports, and railways.
"We should dole out opportunities and not
entitlements. We can do that by building better and more infrastructure which
can spread growth to the countryside."
He urged decisive action to root out
corruption from social assistance programs and reclaim their intended purpose
of providing genuine support to the vulnerable.
He said the government must also revisit the
role of social protection programs as these should function as a safety net,
and not a fiscal buffet.
"Higpitan natin ang safeguards, so that
beneficiaries will receive what is due. Lagyan rin natin ng time-bound exit
mechanisms, so that they will not become dependent. And strengthen the
connection between welfare and work, so our people can transition from aid to
employment."
Ejercito also emphasized that political
involvement should be reduced in the distribution of social aid.