THE Department of Social Welfare and Development - Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) reaffirmed its commitment to remaining nonpartisan amid concerns about politicians' involvement in cash assistance distributions.
DSWD-Davao Assistant Regional Director for Operations Gemma D. Dela Cruz emphasized during the Kapihan sa PIA forum on March 21, 2025, at NCC Victoria Plaza that the agency does not take sides and focuses solely on providing aid to beneficiaries.
“In the event na naay mag visit og naay mag adtu didto we are not in control of that. Pwede sila magsulod but kana wala gyud namo na sila gina visit. Dili pod me pwede na muinogn na dili mo pwede, dili mo musulod in the event nga musulod gyud sila it is now the barangay kung pasudlon ba nila or dili (In the event that politicians visit distribution sites, we have no control over that. They are not invited by us, but we also cannot prohibit them from entering. That decision rests with the barangay),” dela Cruz said.
She noted that some barangays have already taken measures to restrict political figures from attending these distributions. Additionally, politicians are prohibited from displaying tarpaulins or campaign materials during DSWD cash assistance events—only DSWD branding is allowed.
During the Aprubado sa Konseho session on March 18, 2025, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre raised concerns about DSWD's cash assistance program, questioning its necessity given the absence of recent disasters or flooding in Davao City.
“Dili lang unta natu gamiton, hopefully DSWD is listening right now, dili lang magpagamit sa politiko, use that wisely kanang money (We just hope DSWD does not allow itself to be used by politicians. That money should be used wisely),” Alejandre said.
Earlier, a confrontation occurred between Davao City Councilor and congressional candidate Wilberto Al-ag and Barangay Captain Edwin Fiel of Barangay Bantol, Marilog District during a DSWD distribution event.
Al-ag clarified that he and his team were not directly distributing aid but merely lending a vehicle to DSWD and providing food and water for beneficiaries.
Fiel, however, raised concerns over miscommunication between both parties.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued Resolution 11060, prohibiting DSWD from distributing assistance during the election period.
However, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian requested an exemption for 28 DSWD projects, which Comelec Chairman George Garcia approved with the condition that no candidates or politicians be involved in any form. RGP