Malacañang encouraged citizens to file formal reports regarding potential misconduct or irregularities surrounding candidate selection for the Presidential Scholarship Program.
Speaking at a Palace briefing on Monday, August 17, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro designated the Liga ng mga Barangay National Office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Presidential Communications Office, and the Office of the President as primary oversight bodies for submitting complaints.
“Ang mga ganyang klaseng reklamo ay wine-welcome natin at tinatanggap natin dahil kailangan talaga ng ayudang ibinibigay ng Pangulo at ng pamahalaan at ng local government units natin ay makarating sa tama,” Castro stated.
The official issued the statement in response to online circulation of a post highlighting the inclusion of a local barangay leader’s child as a scholarship recipient.
Addressing the issue, Castro cautioned against immediate assumptions, emphasizing that familial relation to a local official does not automatically disqualify an applicant who fulfills every academic criterion.
“Basta deserving at kailangan iyong kanyang requirements bilang deserving student ay naabot. So, iyon lang po naman ang gusto ng Pangulo,” she added.
The Palace confirmed that screening protocols remain active to verify eligibility. Designed for graduating tertiary students at risk of non-completion due to financial hardships, scholar identification relies on local officials alongside the Sangguniang Barangay education committee, with overall supervision by the Office of the President, DILG, and the Liga ng mga Barangay national office.
Castro emphasized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of reaching needy learners, particularly in isolated regions. Marcos vi
sited Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Monday to oversee the allocation of government financial assistance, which included funds for the scholarship drive.