Former DSWD secretary denies allegations on funding NPA

Former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo condemned President Rodrigo Duterte’s claims that the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the government supported the New People’s Army (NPA) during the time when she was still the Social Welfare and Development secretary, calling it “baseless.”

Taguiwalo opposed the accusations and said that “For the record and for the President’s own awareness, not a single peso of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) passed through my hands.”

She added that, “The program funds are directly coursed through the Landbank and its conduits who then make direct payout to the Pantawid beneficiaries. These transactions are recorded and the Commission on Audit regularly audits this program.”

This was after Duterte disclosed on Tuesday that the NPA received money from the 4P’s in which they used to buy bullets and guns.

Furthermore, Duterte said that he wouldn’t mind if the rebels used the money to buy something to eat but since it was used to buy guns then it’s her problem.

“If you use the money to buy guns and the military kills you for it, then that’s your problem. I have to defend my oath of office,” Duterte said, addressing Taguiwalo.

However, Palace Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the palace is yet to confirm the information on the President’s claims.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08 / 30 / 17)