ABELLANOSA
TEAM Rama candidate for councilor Jocelyn “Joy” Pesquera yesterday said the Ombudsman should investigate Cebu City South district Representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa for allegedly benefiting from the cash-for-work program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Abellanosa, who is seeking reelection under Bando Osmeña – Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK), retorted that the allegation was “very stupid.”
“Am I DOLE? How can I use the TUPAD program for my personal purposes when, like the 4Ps program, the funds go directly to the beneficiaries who are determined by DOLE and who performed productive work for the community,” he said.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), a component of the Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program of DOLE, provides temporary jobs to displaced workers.
Pesquera alleged that the congressman’s office served as the “recruitment” office for TUPAD. She cited reports from some residents of Barangay Kinasang-an, Pardo that Abellanosa’s office allegedly recruited them to conduct surveys in the barangays for one day.
The survey allegedly asked residents to state whether they were voting for BO-PK or Team Rama. Those recruited to do the survey were allegedly made to sign a payroll of P3,500 each, but ended up receiving only P1,000.
“Asa ang sobra? Kinsay nagdawat sa sobra? (Where’s the balance? Who received the balance?) The government was deceived. Supposed to be, the program is for people who are displaced but gigamit sa survey. The worst is giilad pud nila ang taw (they deceived the people),” Pesquera said.
DOLE-7 regional director Exequiel Sarcauga said TUPAD provides emergency employment to disadvantaged or displaced workers, including those who have lost their livelihood due to natural or manmade disasters.
Sarcauga said DOLE implements the program, although local government units or officials may refer or endorse some beneficiaries.
“In fact, wala sa transaction ang mga officials or LGU. It’s just between the department and the beneficiaries,” he said.
The Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Abellanosa from service for conflict of interest. Abellanosa has appealed the order.
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