MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda is seeking a congressional probe into the government’s cash assistance and subsidy distribution system following reports of alleged unequal implementation in Batangas province.
The senator filed Senate Resolution No. 381, echoing calls made by her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, for a deeper review of the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program.
In the resolution, Legarda cited reports of beneficiaries enduring long lines, crowded payout areas, and disorganized procedures in order to receive financial assistance from the government.
She also flagged alleged delays in the release of fuel subsidies and concerns over incomplete beneficiary listings, saying these issues undermine the purpose of emergency assistance programs.
The senator questioned whether requiring large groups of beneficiaries to physically queue for payouts remains a safe and effective method of distributing aid.
Legarda further raised concerns over the reported exclusion of 84 barangays in Taal and Nasugbu from a Batangas aid distribution event despite earlier assurances that all barangays in the province would be covered by the program.
She noted allegations that the exclusion may have been politically motivated. Reports also indicated that some relief goods carried official logos and slogans, which she said highlighted the need for transparent and nonpartisan implementation of government assistance.
The senator urged authorities to compare the implementation of the program in other provinces to determine whether similar issues and branding practices also occurred elsewhere.
Leviste earlier questioned the exclusion of the barangays during an aid distribution activity attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Batangas City.
According to the congressman, the barangays later received their financial assistance after the matter was raised publicly.
ia/xf
