No politics in aid distribution, says Nograles amid dispute with Duterte

PBA party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles

MANILA, Philippines — No politics are involved in the distribution of assistance from any government agencies, PBA party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles said, following her and Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s row over the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) funds.

Nograles issued the statement on Wednesday “to prevent unnecessary confusion.” Before this, Duterte accused her of not releasing funds needed for his district and pointed out that the funds are used for “politics.”

READ: Pulong Duterte, Migs Nograles face off over DSWD funds

“Gusto ko lang klaruhin na walang pamomolitika involved sa pagdala ng assistance ng bawat ahensya ng gobyerno para sa mga qualified beneficiaries,” the lawmaker said.

(I just want to clarify that there is no politics involved in bringing assistance by each government agency for qualified beneficiaries.)

“In fact, politics should not be associated with giving out assistance. DSWD made it clear that the department’s funds in Davao are sufficient and are being utilized. It is essential to understand that DSWD financial assistance is disbursed directly to the intended beneficiaries and not through any office as an allocation,” she added.

In an earlier statement, Nograles revealed that barangay captains or kagawad (councilors) in Davao City (three districts) had barred her from entering and providing services through a caravan, among other things.

“Kaya nga po, nakikiusap kami sa mga Barangay Kapitan at mga opisyales na payagan na po kami na makapasok sa inyong mga barangay. Kumakatok kami sa inyong puso na makipagtulungan tayo para maibaba at maihatid ang nararapat na tulong para sa mga taumbayan, para sa mga Dabawenyo,” the lawmaker said.

(That’s why we are asking the barangay captains and officials to allow us to enter your barangays. We are knocking on your heart to work us to bring down and deliver the necessary help for the people, for the Davaoeños.)

Nograles pointed out that one of her roles is to be “an extension of DSWD” and ensure that locals or qualified beneficiaries receive the aid they need.

“This process ensures transparency and accountability, preventing any misuse of funds for political purposes such as the prevention of disbursement due to the non-issuance of barangay/LGU certifications or use of barangay property,” she added.