DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo has ordered an investigation on the complaint of Noveleta, Cavite Mayor Dino Chua on the alleged requirements that were being asked by the DSWD personnel before releasing aids to his constituents last Monday, October 31.

In connection to this, Tulfo has temporarily transferred Region 4A Director Barry Chua and Assistant Regional Director Mylah Gatchalian to the DSWD Central Office while the Office of the Secretary conducts an investigation into the complaint.

It was learned that Assistant Secretary Maritess Maristela of the Special Concerns Division will temporary take the place of Director Chua.

Chua in his complaint said, “kung anu-ano ang hinihingi ng DSWD, e binagyo na nga yung tao, pinapahirapan pa nila. Hinihingan nila ng ID, indigency certificate, residency certificate at kung ano- ano pa. Sabi nga ng pangulo wag na pahirapan ang tao.”

According to the mayor, the food packs given by the DSWD in his area were not enough. He added that only 200 from 500 families were given food packs, so he’s the one who gave food packs to the remaining 300 families.

But, records from the DSWD showed that a total of 1,600 food packs were delivered by DSWD National Resource Operation Center (NROC) to the municipal hall of Noveleta on October 30, a day before the relief distribution.

“I don’t know kung bakit nasabi ni Mayor Chua na kulang ang food pack na pinadala namin sa kanya gayong 1,600 ang diniliver namin sa kanyang munisipyo one day before the distribution day,” Sec. Tulfo said.

He also explained that there is really a need for the DSWD to verify the beneficiaries, especially those who will receive cash assistance, because this is the requirement of the Commission on Audit (COA).

Tulfo said, “hinihingan po talaga namin ng ID yung mga benepisyaryo. Pero pag wala pong ID lalo na during calamities, kailangan nasa listahan ang pangalan nila sa barangay”.

“Pero ang nangyari sa Noveleta, wala pong ID yung natitirang 300 katao at wala sa listahan ng barangay o hindi kilala ng mga barangay officials ang mga humihingi ng cash ayuda ng mga oras na yun,” Tulfo added. “Ano pong ipapakita naman namin sa COA kung tanungin kami kanino namin ibinigay ang mga pera kung walang ID o wala sila sa listahan ng barangay.”

“Siguro kailangan mag-imbestiga rin talaga ni Mayor Chua kung totoo ang mga sumbong sa kanya dahil marami pong kumakalat na fake news,” the secretary said.

Meanwhile, Cavite solons recognized and thanked the DSWD for their tireless services to the people.

Senator Bong Revilla and Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla also thanked the DSWD for their quick action in distributing the needs of the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in Cavite.

It was learned that in less than 24-hours after Paeng hit Cavite, DSWD IV-A Regional Director Barry Chua and ARD Myla Gatchalian, together with the senator and congressmen, responded and distributed at least 4,000 family food packs in Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta and Tanza.