CCT dole out debate

The Administration is proposing a P45 billion fund for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program for 2013. This plan has ignited objections from several Congressmen led by Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Emmie de Jesus who suspect it will be used for the 2013 elections

The Commission on Audit (COA) discovered serious irregularities in the lists of beneficiaries and double entries. Teachers and relatives of DSWD personnel were listed.

The COA also raised objections to the lopsided allocation to “favored” provinces over more deserving poor provinces with larger population of poor families.

The lists of beneficiaries were prepared by DSWD personnel in every town raising howls from governors and mayors who were not consulted at all. The mayors said they could have cleansed the lists.

Even recipients complained that the P1,300 per month payment is too small to effect an improvement in their lives. Reports have come in that the money was even used for gambling or drinking liquor.

All these objections will amount to nothing as President Aquino and DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman are determined to pursue the program. But they should at least try to improve on it. Have the mayors review the lists to begin with.

One good indication of CCT’s ineffectiveness is the drop of the President’s rating from 49% to 42% with surveys reporting an increase in the number of self-rated poor persons and also the bigger number of 4.8 million Filipinos experiencing hunger.

It is suggested that an in-depth study preferably by UP Professors be made to review the 2-year CCT.

One suggestion has been made that some priority should be given to senior citizens.

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INSIDE CAMP AGUINALDO . . Another carnapping, this time inside a security protected military camp.

Colonel Nelson Chedrome of the AFP Dental service lost his Mazda Familia parked outside his quarters at Capinpin Avenue, Camp Aguinlado. His quarters were also ransacked by the robbers.

Boy, this is really scary. Criminals are operating inside a military camp. AFP Spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, Jr. said security inside the camp will be enhanced.

The big question, how were that carnappers able to take the car out thru guarded gate 3?

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KOKO UPDATE . . In a DZRJ interview, Sen. Koko Pimentel said he will go to the Visayas and Mindanao to consult PDP partymates. He said he will not leave his PDP-LABAN party where he is the president. It is likely that he will campaign alone as he continues to insist he cannot campaign with ex-Senator Migz Zubiri.

He confirmed he has plans to meet with President Joseph Estrada. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said he stays in the UNA slate but it is his decision whether to stay or leave. Pimentel has set a 2-week deadline to make his decision. 

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GOOD NEWS FOR LUISTRO . . The DepEd’s K + 12 program is supported by 65% of Filipinos according to a March SWS poll, up from 57% in December 2011.

DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro said the result of the survey will inspire education officials to realize the goals of the program. He said he will reach out to those objecting to the program.

The parents have spoken. The program has started. Teachers should now accept the program.

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NEW DISTRICTS . . Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has approved the creation of additional Legislative Districts for Quezon City, Aklan, Bacolod City, North Cotabato and Palawan which will bring the number of Congressmen to 290.

Enrile said it is provided in the Constitution that one representative be elected for every 200,000 population.

Kasangga Party-list Rep. Ted Haresco has announced plans to run for the new district in Aklan.

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ANOTHER BLACK MARK . . After the dismissal of 11 policemen by the PNP as ordered by the Ombudsman, the Court of Appeals has ordered the arrest of 8 Parañaque policemen responsible for the crossfire shooting of Seaman Alfonso de Vera and his 7-year old daughter Lea Allana. Another 8 policemen including Superintendent Maximo Layugan have been charged with a P250-million ghost pension scam.

In its June 15 resolution, the Court of Appeals ruled that Parañaque RTC Judge Jaime Guray committed grave abuse of discretion when he junked for lack of probable cause the DOJ resolution recommending the filing of multiple murder charges against the policemen.

Ordered arrested were Chief Inspectors Lawrence Cajipe and Joel Mendoza, Inspector Gregorio Balitucan, PO3 Julito Mamanao Jr., Fernando Rey Gapuz, PO2 Eduardo Blanco and Edwin Santos and PO1 Jessie Rey Lucena.

The shootout happened at United Parañaque Subdivision 4 on the night of Dec. 05, 2008. The De Vera car had 80 bullet holes.

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CHINA GAINS . . China hailed the pullout of Philippine ships from Scarborough Shoal. The pullout left China in control of the Shoal as it did not pull out its ships.

DFA said there were negotiations for China’s withdrawal from the Shoal but as of today, there are no signs the Chinese vessels will also pull out. The Chinese Embassy spokesman denied any Chinese pullout.

One thing sure, there will be no armed confrontation in the area. The Philippines does not have the capability to engage in war. 

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TIDBITS . . . The Comelec has approved the accreditation of the United Nationalist Alliance as a political coalition.

President Aquino finally admitted that there is corruption at DENR allowing illegal logging.

Greetings to avid readers: Manny Santos Sr., former Philippine News Service Editor and to Vice Mayors Turing Isip of Mariveles, Virgilio Isidro of Orion, Remigio Tayag of Limay, Ed Santos of Pilar, Vice Mayor Francis Vincent de Leon of Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Mayor Hernan Biron of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and Board Member Caloy Bolilia of Batangas.