DILG PROBES USE OF SUBSIDY IN POLL CAMPAIGN

TACLOBAN CITY: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is currently investigating complaints regarding the alleged utilization of government’s poverty reduction funds by candidates of the recent elections to advance their political bid.

Pedro Noval Jr., DILG regional director, said that several complaints were brought to his attention, particularly in the province of Southern Leyte, using the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or the conditional cash transfer program funds to campaign for candidates of the Liberal Party. “We are conducting a fact-finding inquiry on this at the same time informing top management of the matter. We are directing our people in the field to conduct a fact-finding inquiry on this,” Noval said. He explained that even if their agency finds the allegations true, they cannot impose sanctions. However, their office can recommend and use this instance as guidance on “what action to take and what adjustments should be done so that these people could not use this program to achieve their political ends.”