Dino asks NBI: Probe group victimizing poor

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate a group that allegedly swindles poor people using the name of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dino said the group collects up to P200 or P300 from each person, promising housing, jobs, livelihood, financial assistance, among others, in return.

"Kay ilad-ilad lagi ning ilaha. Dili sila maka-deliver sa ilang promises unya ang ending, kani ilang gipang-ilad, masuko sa presidente. Angayan nga ipadakop gyud ning grupoha nga mga pobre gyud ilang biktima," Dino said.

He said tarpaulins will soon be put up at public places to warn the people of the modus operandi.

Dino said earlier many congressmen and mayors have complained about the group that makes “false promises” to the public about the government’s pro-poor programs.

"Worse, this organization is asking fees from the poor people whom they promised for pro-poor programs such as livelihood assistance. This is the economic class that is highly sensitive to government promises of improving their lives," Dino said.

He said most of those dissatisfied with the president in the SWS survey come from the poor, the economic class “E,” at 26 percent and highest in the urban area at 20 percent.

The latest survey of the Social Weather Stations showed 67 percent of Filipinos are satisfied with Duterte's performance while 19 percent are dissatisfied. Fourteen percent are undecided.

This means the president's satisfaction rating is only +48, much lower than his +66 rating

in June 2017.

SPAT CONTINUES

On the aspect of support for the Duterte, Osmeña said it is the principles of democracy he is supporting when he disagreed to Duterte's decision to move the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“I'm supporting the constitution of the Philippines. I want to make a distinction. So when I say I'm in favor of elections, because it's there in the constitution of the Philippines, it doesn't mean I'm going against the president. I'm supporting the principles of democracy,” he told reporters yesterday.

He made the statement following the accusation of Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino that the mayor simply pretends to be an ally of Duterte because he keeps on criticizing his administration.

Dino said Osmeña does not support Duterte's drug war and even withheld city-owned firearms and incentives for cops, which has affected the performance of the city police.

Osmeña said that contrary to this, he actually supports the drug war, citing the nine drug personalities that have been neutralized in Cebu City.

“I don't work for Michael Dino. I don't answer to him,” he said.

The mayor also said of Dino:

“What is he talking about supporting the war on drugs? He is supporting Team Rama whose head is identified by the president in several instances that is being involved with drugs. Is he not supporting Team Rama? Is he not supporting Imok Rupinta (Barangay Ermita Captain)?” he said.

“Michael Dino is nothing but an influence peddler. May lang siya mo-sipsip. Kutob ra siya sa false news,” Osmeña said.

Dino described Osmeña's accusation as a sign of insecurity.

"Na-insecure ra na siya nako mao bisan unsa na lang iyang isulti against me," said Dino in a press conference yesterday.

He also disputed Osmeña's description of him as an influence peddler.

"I do not have to be an influence peddler. I have more than enough influence. Naa na koy influence, I don't have to peddle. Siya ang maoy influence peddler, magpasuod-suod sa presidente," said Dino.

Dino said Osmeña is a member of the Liberal Party who supported the presidential candidacy of former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Last weekend, however, Osmeña attended the pro-Duterte rally dubbed “Lihok Suporta 2” organized by the Kilusang Pagbabago Visayas with Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco.