DSWD signs deal with DILG, Comelec to safeguard projects from partisan politics

FILE PHOTO: A resident of Baseco, Tondo, in Manila City shows the cash aid she received. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Commission on Elections (Comelec) to safeguard its projects from partisan politics.

According to DSWD director Paul Tacorda, the agreement centers on two important aspects for the agency — to spare the beneficiaries’ funds from political interference, and the proper liquidation of these funds.

“The issue of political candidates who are maneuvering and interfering or otherwise abusing the availability in continuing implementation of social welfare and development programs and services during the campaign period,” said Tacorda.

“And second, the issue of liquidated funds, which were downloaded by the DSWD for social welfare in development programs and projects in their respective localities,” he added.

According to DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, the agreement is also a reimplementation of the tripartite MOA between the three agencies in 2013, otherwise known as the “Bawal Ang Epal Dito.”

Tacorda then explained that not much has changed in the 2022 MOA, but it serves as  “an extension of the obligation of the three agencies in the 2013 agreement.”

“Ang pinakamahalagang pagkakaiba, may obligasyon ang tatlong ahensya na ipagpapatuloy ang kanilang regulasyon sa pagbubuo ng technical worming group na bubuuuin within 10 days mula sa pagkakapirma ng contratang ito,” said Tacorda.

(The most important difference is that the three agencies have an obligation to continue their regulation, forming a technical working group that will be formed within 10 days from the signing of this contract.)

Meanwhile, DSWD Sec. Rolando Bautista assured that, with the new MOA, the DSWD will remain committed to providing public programs and services to the poor and marginalized sector without the influence of partisan politics.

“Thus, we must try our very best to uphold the highest standards of service delivery and maintain integrity in program implementation,” said Bautista.

Comelec chair Saidamen Pangarungan, for his part, said that the tripartite agreement “sends a strong message: it is of paramount importance that we curb partisanship in the undertaking of government projects during the election period.

“Government funds may not be used for any election campaign activity,” said Pangarungan.

“During the election period, we cannot condone activities that we all know as ‘epal,’” he added.

This came after the Comelec on Wednesday granted the DSWD request for exemption from the election spending ban.

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