Soliman to solons: Stay away from social workers

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman. INQUIRER.net/Matikas Santos

MANILA, Philippines—Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman on Wednesday urged lawmakers to distance themselves from social workers involved in anti-poverty programs.

During the deliberations on the DSWD’s proposed budget for 2013, Soliman asked that social workers be allowed to carry out their duties for programs like the conditional cash transfer (CCT) without the influence of politics. She said that pressure from

lawmakers did not help DSWD employees in their work.

Soliman said that it was unacceptable for social workers to be swayed by politicians and added that DSWD employees proven to have been influenced stand to lose their jobs.

A memorandum has already been issued by the DSWD cautioning its workers of possible suspension if caught violating her order.