Soliman backs DSWD officials accused of misusing ‘Pablo’ funds

MANILA, Philippines - Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman has expressed her support to DSWD officials who are facing charges for allegedly misusing funds intended for the rehabilitation of areas affected by typhoon “Pablo.”

“I ordered a separate investigation on this matter,” Soliman told reporters yesterday.

Soliman said the DSWD is not providing legal assistance to the accused but noted that the motive of the complainant should also be investigated.

June Sanchez-Obenza, a former DSWD employee, filed charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against DSWD-Region 11 acting director Priscilla Razon, human resource department chief Loreta Anas, Kalahi-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) regional financial analyst Annabelle Jabla and regional community infrastructure specialist Santos Eusebio Jr.

Obenza was a former community development assistant of Kalahi-CIDSS.

Soliman said she was informed that the DSWD Region 11 did not renew Obenza’s contract.

“For a year she has worked with these people. Why is it only now that she’s claiming that there was misuse of funds,” Soliman said.

“These people spent Christmas in Pablo-hit areas, the media should also give the other side of the story,” she added.

Meanwhile, Soliman said the government, in partnership with non-government organizations and private firms, will start the construction of permanent shelters of families displaced by Pablo last year.

The DSWD chief said the Department of Science and Technology, through its Project NOAH, identified areas in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, where the permanent shelters will be built.

She said companies like San Miguel, Smart and Holcim will start the construction by March 1.

Soliman said Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity are also helping the government in providing permanent shelters to the typhoon victims.