4Ps beneficiaries advised not to be bullied
VOTE according to your conscience.
This was the advice given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to beneficiaries of the national Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), some of who have reportedly been threatened by incumbent mayors running for re-election.
Marlene Febes-Peralta, assistant regional director for DSWD in the Ilocos Region, said several local chief executives have reportedly warned beneficiaries that they will be taken out of the program if they do not re-elect those occupying posts.
“Beneficiaries should not allow themselves to be coerced into voting for such candidates,” said Peralta, emphasizing that it is not the local government officials who decide on who go in the 4Ps list.
“Although incumbent [officials] help us with the program, we [DSWD] ourselves do not tell the beneficiaries whom to vote for,” Peralta said.
4Ps is a cash-transfer program for the poorest of the poor, distributed with conditions relating to health check-ups and education of the children in the family.
Peralta admitted that the beneficiaries are easy to mobilize and convince, particularly if they are promised cash incentives.
Her office has intensified its anti-epal campaign and has already warned three local chief executives who have tried using the ploy.
“Some of our staff have been threatened with removal from service,” Peralta reported. (PIA/ARF)
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