Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno criticized the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) over alleged lapses in the distribution of government aid.
The lawmaker’s remarks came after a Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver reportedly suffered a spike in blood pressure upon discovering that he was not included in the list of beneficiaries eligible for government assistance.
In a Facebook post on Friday, March 27, Diokno urged the agencies to fix their processes and ensure that aid reaches those in need.
“Pakiayos naman ang trabaho, DSWD at DOTr! Hirap na nga ating mga kababayan, pati ba naman sa pagkuha ng tulong, pahihirapan niyo pa,” Diokno said.
He further stressed the need for a more efficient and inclusive system.
“Ayusin niyo ang sistema sa pamamahagi ng tulong at tiyakin na lahat ng benepisyaryo ay mabibigyan. Walang dapat maiwan sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan.”
Meanwhile, Rex Gatchalian, Secretary of the DSWD, has already issued an apology to the TNVS driver who experienced distress due to the incident.
The issue highlights ongoing concerns over the implementation of aid programs, particularly in ensuring that qualified beneficiaries are properly identified and assisted.