QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development denied that it forced beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid, Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps to attend the pro-Duterte rally held in Manila on Saturday, February 26.
Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo issued the “categorical” denial in a tweet she posted on Monday.
Taguiwalo said that it was not the policy of the DSWD to use government programs for politicking.
“DSWD beneficiaries are free to choose their political leanings with no danger to their benefits from any DSWD program. We will never blackmail 4Ps or DSWD beneficiaries and force them to attend or boycott any political activity,” Taguiwalo said.
She said if there were complaints of this nature against local DSWD offices, these would be investigated.
“We will never tolerate this kind of behavior or abuse of authority. DSWD and government services are meant to help the poor and those in need,” she added.
Eagle News Service
