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 counselor. Binigyan siya ng transaction code para sa Palawan Express. At inutusan siya na i-claim ang 7,500-pesos na TUPAD,” said Sen. JV Ejercito.
“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.
“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,” said Ejercito.
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.
With this, Ejercito calls for a 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,” he also added.
Ejercito also emphasized that political involvement should be reduced in the distribution of social aid.
