Comelec opinion sought on use of indigent fund

VALDEMAR Chiong, mayor of Naga City, Cebu, has sought the opinion of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the use of the City’s P10-million indigent assistance fund.

And with the campaign just a month away, Chiong said he doesn’t want his administration to be misinterpreted as using government money to gain votes.

Purpose

He said the fund has always been used for those who seek any kind of financial aid, whether during or outside the campaign period.

“We don’t want to deny the people of Naga financial assistance. It is a burden on my conscience if we stop providing them,” he said yesterday.

The indigent assistance fund is given to indigent residents who need burial, medical, accident and food assistance. The fund also covers financial aid to senior citizens, especially those who are hospitalized.

Diligence

Even with the elections in May, Chiong said the city’s indigents continue to seek assistance.

As a precaution, though, the City Government has been careful in releasing money.

Chiong said even though he and members of his administration don’t have any political opponents in May, they still want to continue to observe election rules.