PNoy warns reelectionists vs using 4Ps for politics

MAASIN CITY, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has warned re-electionist mayors and governors against using the 4Ps program in their political forays.

The president, who was in this city over the weekend, said he heard reports from various parts of the country that mayors and governors, especially re-electionists who are not with the Liberal Party, have been threatening recipients that they will be stricken off the 4Ps list if they are not reelected.

PNoy said the 4Ps is a national program, not by the local governments, and implemented by the DSWD. The identification of beneficiaries, is done by the national agency and continuous assessment makes sure that the intended recipients are worthy of it, he said.

The implementation of the 4Ps program is “walang halong politika” and should not be used by incumbents to threaten recipients, said the president, clarifying that the only reason a recipient can be stricken off the list is when he or she violates the conditions of the subsidy program.

He advised voters to report to him if they are threatened by their mayors and governors about being stricken off the list. As of latest count, there are now 3.9 million families enrolled in the 4Ps around the country and 18,457 of these are in Southern Leyte, he said. (FREEMAN)