Senate probes resort stay of street dwellers during papal visit
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / EDWIN BACASMAS
MANILA, Philippines—The Senate on Tuesday began its hearing on the reported rounding up of street children and homeless people during Pope Francis’ recent visit to the Philippines.
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman was among those present in the hearing of the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development headed by Senator Nancy Binay.
It was Binay herself who initiated the investigation on the issue following reports that the street children and homeless were taken to air-conditioned log cabins in a Batangas resort during the papal visit.
Soliman reportedly admitted that 490 beggars and homeless people were taken to the resort as part of the government’s orientation “to familiarize them with a room that has a door and toilets.”
Aside from Binay, also present at the hearing was Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
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