Mayor uncovers 4Ps anomaly

LAOANG, Northern Samar – The mayor of San Roque town said he has uncovered an anomaly in the distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in his municipality.

Mayor Don L. Abalon said the anomaly surrounding the 4Ps’ was brought to my attention when one of the beneficiaries told me about it. One of the parent-leaders acting as DSWD field personnel was reportedly collecting monthly dues as well as fees for ATM card replacement.”

Abalon, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Northern Samar chapter, said that when he confronted DSWD field personnel, they pointed to the Municipal Link (MP) as the one who authorized the transactions.

The mayor alerted DSWD Regional Director Restituto Macuto, who launched an investigation. However, the probe was assigned to personnel living in the province who reported they did not detect any anomaly.

Pressing on with his own investigation, Abalon learned that DSWD personnel were also requiring beneficiaries to pay for ID cards that cost R40 each.

He has since reached out to the DSWD in Central Office in Manila and asked for the removal and replacement of the personnel assigned to San Roque.

He is asking other mayors to monitor the 4Ps distribution in their municipalities.

“While we have no authority to determine who is admitted into the 4Ps, the mayors must also look into it and determine whether those who are admitted are truly qualified. We also have to constantly follow up each activity conducted by the program implementors,” Abalon said.