JV bares alleged corruption in San Juan City’s social aid programs

AYUDA SCAMS DENOUNCED: Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito denounces politicians who have been using government social programs such as the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) to dupe ordinary people. Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines – Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday exposed the alleged corruption in San Juan City’s social aid programs.

In his privilege speech delivered during the Senate’s plenary session, Ejercito said the scheme was made through an “ayuda scam” concerning the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and other social assistance initiatives.

Ejercito presented two videos supposedly revealing some local officials in San Juan City “who exploited the system.”

“A victim from Brgy. Balongbato in San Juan City states that he was approached by the staff of a councilor. Binigyan siya ng transaction code para sa Palawan Express. At inutusan siya na i-claim ang P7,500 na TUPAD,” said Ejercito.

(He was given a transaction code for the Palawan Express. And he was ordered to claim the 7,500-peso TUPAD.)

“Pero sabi daw ni Councilor, isang-libo lang daw ang mapupunta sa biktima. Ang P6,500 naman, ikakaltas at isasantabi para ‘kay Mayor’.” he added.

(But according to Councilor, only P1,000 was given to the victim. The remaining P6,500 will be reduced and set aside for ‘Mayor’.)

For Ejercito, this scheme is “disgusting” because the money that should’ve been spent on Filipinos in need are wasted for people who wanted power.

“These aid mechanisms have become instruments for political ambition. Instead of going to beneficiaries, they are used to reward allies and bankroll operators. In other words, they are used for patronage politics,” said Ejercito.

Ejercito said there is a need to “strengthen the safeguard” of these financial aids so beneficiaries receive what is due to them.

‘A special place in hell’

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, in a short comment following Ejercito’s speech, underscored that there is a special place in hell for people who use public funds for corruption.

“Dapat ‘yang mga balasubas na ‘yan ay makulong and I hope the Senate takes a clear role on this para maparusahan natin kung sinuman ang may pakana nitong pangungurakot. Again, there is a special place in hell for these rotten people,” said Zubiri.

(Those bastards should be jailed and I hope the Senate takes a clear role on this so that we can punish whoever is behind this embezzlement. Again, there is a special place in hell for these rotten people.)

Ejercito’s speech, together with all interpellations and manifestations, was later on referred to the Senate blue ribbon panel and public order and dangerous drugs for legislative probe.