DSWD says mislabeling of aid forms in Cebu rectified

Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday called the attention of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) due to reports of alleged mislabeling of aid forms for victims of Typhoon Tino. 

“It is saddening and infuriating to hear reports that some barangay personnel have made mislabelings on the DSWD forms of several victims of Typhoon Tino in the province of Cebu. This is not the first time such an incident has happened, and it is disheartening that discrimination against disaster victims continues to occur,” said Tulfo in a statement. 

The senator made the statement after a resident of Purok Isla Verde in Talisay City, Cebu complained that a barangay official allegedly tagged his flood-ravaged house as only “partially damaged” on the DSWD assistance form. 

“This is a double whammy—they’re already victims of a calamity, and now they’re becoming victims again of manipulation in the distribution of aid,” said Tulfo. 

Sought for comment, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told GMA News Online that they have rectified the case already.

He added that similar cases could feel free to appeal the assessment to the local social welfare development office or come to the nearest DSWD office

Tulfo recently filed a bill, the Anti-Discrimination in the Delivery of Social Protection Programs Act”, which aims to prevent and penalize government employees who commit selective, discretionary, or discriminatory acts when distributing social protection benefits. 

The bill's goal is to ensure that these programs are delivered fairly and equitably to all eligible individuals and families. — BM, GMA Integrated News