DOLE chief recalls QC officer over alleged aid program irregularity

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

 MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recalled its field officer in Quezon City amid allegations of irregularities in the implementation of its aid program for displaced workers.

 This came after Quezon City beneficiaries of DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)) program, complained that they were given only P2,000 of the P7,518 they were supposed to receive.

The field officer recalled for the investigation of the said allegations was identified by Labor Secretary Silvestre Belloas Atty. Joel Petaca of the DOLE-National Capital Region Office.

 “I want to know why he allowed such problems to happen in the delivery of TUPAD in Quezon City. He was supposed to monitor the program of our department. Was he negligent?” Bello said in a statement.

 According to Bello, DOLE is almost done with its investigation and is  awaiting  the outcome of the National Bureau of Investigation’s own probe.

 “Once all the reports are in, we will definitely go after the individuals behind this problem,” Bello said.

 RELATED STORY:

 Some of those who got paid in cash-for-work scheme did not actually work – Bello