Millions out of IPG coffers as Tupas OKs release of BHW, employees' cash gift
Hundreds of women volunteer workers flocked the Capitol yesterday in what was the first set of cash gift releases by the Iloilo Provincial Government.
While the release was scheduled following last week's legislative approval, what was not followed was the manner of distribution. The approval of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) carried a condition that the release should be made to local government units (LGUs) and not the Capitol.
Vice Governor Rolex Suplico has since frowned on a repeat of any Capitol cash gift releases to volunteer workers of Iloilo's 1,721 barangays. He said it smacked of bad taste and is "very political." He also stressed that the money is from the provincial government and not a personal gift from one family.
Suplico also pushed for LGU-coursed releases as a more regular, proper and less cost way. All his conditions and as agreed by the SP body appeared to have not been heeded.
Yet it was Christmas time for the beneficiaries, volunteer workers from the First and Second District of the province. The governor's son, Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas was tasked to announce the distribution.
Dressed in green and red shirts, the women volunteer workers were mostly Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) while a number were Day Care workers and Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs).
Mayor Tupas was introduced by the governor's top aide, Manuel Mejorada who told the crowd it was the mayor who incessantly worked for the approval of the cash gift.
The mayor for his part gave an assurance that if given the chance, he will continue or even increase the cash gifts. Expectedly, the promise elicited a hearty response. Mayor Tupas is being eyed as replacement of his outgoing father, Governor Niel Tupas Sr.
At least P23 million in total amount was earmarked for the cash gift of the volunteer workers.
Today, December 24, it's the turn of the volunteer workers from the third and fourth districts to claim their cash gifts at the Capitol.
While, cash gifts for volunteer workers from the fifth district will be distributed Dec. 27 at the Barotac Viejo covered court.
Also today is the release of over P50 million in cash gift for employees of the Iloilo Provincial Government.