Radyo Inquirer 990AM: Santiago urges computerization of CCT

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said Tuesday the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program could be digitalized following observations that almost half of the budget for the program in 2013 will just go to overhead expenses, and not to its beneficiaries.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. FILE PHOTO

In an interview with Jake Maderazo of “Banner Story” over Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Santiago said the DSWD could make use of the computer system to distribute the money grants to beneficiaries, instead of spending so much for salaries of CCT program personnel.

Earlier reports had it that the CCT budget for wages increased by 32 percent—from P1.87 billion in 2012, to P2.48 billion in 2013.

“Magagawa natin ‘yan kung may sapat tayong database sa ating computer system, at iba pang pamamaraan sa pamamagitan ng computer. Hindi naman kailangang magsuweldo ng tao dahil parang sobra na sa kalahati ang ibibigay mo sa tauhan na mabibigay ng pera,” Santiago said.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.