Colleagues call out Rep. Duterte over spat with Nograles

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have called out Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte for criticizing PBA party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles over a medical and burial assistance fund issue, saying that Duterte would have known more details if he had been present during sessions and discussions.

Six members of the House of Representatives youth movement — Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, and Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun — defended Nograles on Wednesday, amid the verbal spat with Duterte.

According to Almario, allegations that Nograles used the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) funds for politics are unfounded because she only meant to clarify that funds were available and were not being withheld, contrary to what a notice previously claimed.

“It is clear that Rep. Nograles’s actions have been misrepresented. The notion that she is using these funds for political gain is not only false but an insult to her dedication to public service,” Almario said. 

“We urge Rep. Duterte to check his facts and perhaps attend more sessions to fully grasp the complexity of our roles and the stringent processes we adhere to.”

“If Rep. Duterte attended more sessions and engaged with his colleagues, he would see the transparency and rigor with which we operate. Rep. Nograles has done nothing but uphold the highest standards of integrity in her work. We must not let baseless accusations distract us from our primary mission of serving the people,” he added.

Nograles on Monday urged Davao City residents to discern the real intention of notices, belying claims that DSWD no longer provides funds for medical and burial assistance.

According to Nograles, such a statement is impossible since the PBA party-list continues to release medical aid and hold barangay caravans where DSWD programs are being delivered.

Rep. Duterte said on Tuesday that they never mentioned that the DSWD lacked funds; rather, their issue is with the DSWD’s alleged refusal to release allocations.

Duterte also claimed that public funds appear to have been used for politics.

Bongalon and Adiong, meanwhile, said that the allegations are not only baseless but also distract the public from more pressing issues in the country.

“We, the Young Guns, stand united in our support for Rep. Migs Nograles. Her work in ensuring that the DSWD funds reach those most in need is beyond reproach. This unfounded criticism only serves to distract from the real issues at hand and undermines the efforts of those truly working for the welfare of our citizens,” Bongalon said.

“We, the Young Guns, know firsthand the tireless work that Rep. Nograles puts into her role. The accusations leveled against her are baseless and detract from the critical work being done to support our most vulnerable citizens. It is vital that we remain focused on our legislative duties and avoid the pitfalls of political maneuvering,” Adiong said.

Adiong further said that DSWD’s distribution of funds is usually based on a hierarchy of which sector needs prioritization rather than politics. 

“Rep. Migs Nograles has always placed the needs of her constituents above all else. Her dedication to ensuring that DSWD funds are allocated fairly and efficiently is a testament to her commitment to public service. These unfounded accusations from Rep. Duterte only serve to undermine the hard work of those truly dedicated to helping the poor and needy,” Gutierrez added.

Khonghun, who also pointed out that Duterte has not been active in House activities, said that what government officials need to do is cooperate and find ways to serve the people better.