THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Davao Region warned local politicians against using the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis to advance their political interests.
DILG-Davao Regional Director Alex Roldan, in a virtual press conference, issued the guidelines to local government units (LGUs) and barangay officials against interfering with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s assistance distribution.
He also reiterated his warning against putting their names and images on the relief assistance and programs of the government.
He told them to put their political agenda aside and focus more on public service.
“Among gisiguro nga walay mu-epal. Wala gyud. Ang guidelines sa DILG nga ang tanang ihatag sa katawhan dili gyud mabutangan ug pangalan sa bisan kinsang politiko or bisan kinsa nga tao nga magka-interest sa pamolitika (We make sure that there is nobody going to use the government’s assistance in their political agenda. DILG prohibits putting the names of any politician or any person with political interest during relief distribution),” Roldan said.
Section 4 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees imposes upon every public official and employee to uphold public interest over and above personal interest.
“Ang mahimo sa DILG mao ang pagsiguro nga dili ma-politicize ang paggamit aning pundoha ni. Isa man gud ni sa gikabalak-an karon (We ensure that the government assistance will not be politicized as this is one of the concerns nowadays),” Roldan added.
DSWD-Davao will provide social amelioration measures amounting to P6,000 in Davao City to families belonging to informal sectors who have been affected by the community quarantine amid the Covid-19 crisis as mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.”
The assistance includes the provision of food and non-food items (FNFI) and financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
Amid concerns of some residents who are worried that they might not receive assistance since they are not supporters of their incumbent barangay officials, Roldan said the list of beneficiaries will not be coming from the barangay captains but from the DSWD.
DILG coordinated with DSWD to avoid politicking during their aid distribution.