DSWD execs cleared over aid distribution ‘fiasco’

MANILA, Philippines — Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo has reinstated the two officials of the DSWD-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), whom he earlier transferred to his office following complaints regarding the distribution of cash assistance to typhoon victims in Noveleta, Cavite.

Tulfo said results of an internal investigation conducted on a complaint filed by the mayor of Noveleta showed the DSWD officials and personnel committed nothing wrong in distributing the financial assistance.

He ordered DSWD-Calabarzon director Barry Chua and assistant director Mylah Gatchalian to return to their posts.

The transfer of the DSWD officials stemmed from a complaint filed by Mayor Dino Reyes Chua, who accused the agency personnel of giving calamity victims a hard time in claiming the financial aid.

Reyes Chua questioned the various documents required from the claimants by the DSWD personnel before the aid could be released to them.

“Our policy requires that during calamities, the names of beneficiaries who have no IDs should be included in the list of the local government unit, or were endorsed by barangay officials to the DSWD,” Tulfo said.

He said the DSWD personnel merely followed the agency policy in aid distribution.