TUPAD beneficiaries in QC lament ‘cuts’ in payout irregularities

Several beneficiaries of the Labor department’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) lamented receiving only a measly sum due to alleged irregularities in the cash-for-work program.

Aminodin Morrow said that instead of receiving P7,518, he only got P2,000 from the coordinator of the program in charge in Quezon City's second district.

“Masakit talaga.  Ang expectation namin, baka aayudahan ng DOLE kasi kami ay nasa frontliner ng barangay.  Pagkakuha namin ng pera, ibinalik namin yung P5,218,” he said in Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras.”

Noel Abecendario said he was made to sign documents that he received the full amount but ended up with only P1,000.

Both Ricy Flores and Riizlyn Grace said they were promised P13,000 each for being hired as barangay cleaners but got only P3,000.

“Sinabi sa amin na isang araw lang kami magwawalis kaya P3,000 lang ang mapupunta sa amin” Riizlyn Grace said.

The report said that coordinators of QC Representative Precious Castelo were allegedly behind the “cuts.”

One of them, Carol Cal, said only a certain amount was given to the new hires because the remaining cash will be given to the regular street sweepers of the barangay.  She added that the barangay chairman knew about the setup.

Chito Valmocina, chairman of Barangay Holy Spirit, denied knowledge of the TUPAD anomalies.

“Ibigay lang sa akin ang masterlist ng DOLE.  Pupuntahan natin iyong 14 days, saan kayo naglinis sa Holy Spirit na hindi ko alam, eh ang hinire nyo dalawang libo,” he said.

For her part, Castelo said her office “will coordinate with proper authorities to pursue this matter vigorously.”

The Labor department has temporarily halted the TUPAD program in the city’s second district to investigate the matter.—LDF, GMA News