DILG: VOTER’S ID NOT NEEDED TO RECEIVE RELIEF GOODS

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA)-- As distribution of relief goods starts, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 reminds local government officials to set aside politics.

“In these trying times, let us not make it harder for our constituents by requiring them to present their voter’s ID first before granting them the relief goods. Instead, our LGUs and barangays must see to it that we prioritize the poorest of the poor and not their friends and relatives,” DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said.

Agabe said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año warned to that he will file charges against barangay officials injecting politics into relief distribution at this time of a national calamity.

As per DILG Central Office, the newly signed RA 11469 otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” provides penalties to local government officials disobeying national government policies or directives during this period of national emergency. Section 6 of RA 11469 imposes imprisonment of two (2) months or a fine of not more than One Million pesos or both, at the discretion of the court, for violations of the said law.

Agabe reminds local officials to ensure that their policies are consistent with the national directives to avoid confusion.

“COVID-19 is already a serious concern that we need to address; thus, we are calling our leaders to step up and ensure that they are contributing solutions and not aggravating the problems we are facing now,” Agabe said. (DILG10/PIA10)