Bayan Muna Partylist Representative and senatoriable Teddy Casiño today questioned the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) plan to spend P10.5 million for an ‘anti-epal’ campaign.
On December 31, 2012, local newspapers published a DSWD invitation to bid for "Hiring of Service provider for the Newspaper Publications, and the Production and Airing of TV and radio Commercials for the 'Bawal ang EPAL dito campaign' of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps)."
“The DSWD’s mission is to 'develop, implement and coordinate social protection and poverty reduction solutions for and with the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.' Nowhere in its functions can we find anything about it spearheading an 'Anti-Epal Campaign.' Are they now taking over the functions of the COMELEC, NAMFREL and PPCRV?" said the solon.
"The DSWD wants to use people’s money for something not within its mandate or expertise," he said. "Further, given the wide definition of what epal is, the funds can be used for partisan political activity against the critics of the 4Ps and the Aquino administration."
"I fear this will just be a waste of money. We will be better off spending the huge amount for the victims of typhoons Pablo and Quinta,” said Casiño.
On December 31, 2012, local newspapers published a DSWD invitation to bid for "Hiring of Service provider for the Newspaper Publications, and the Production and Airing of TV and radio Commercials for the 'Bawal ang EPAL dito campaign' of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps)."
"The DSWD wants to use people’s money for something not within its mandate or expertise," he said. "Further, given the wide definition of what epal is, the funds can be used for partisan political activity against the critics of the 4Ps and the Aquino administration."
"I fear this will just be a waste of money. We will be better off spending the huge amount for the victims of typhoons Pablo and Quinta,” said Casiño.