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The DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman has admitted that they have distributed the said amount to the homeless for their so called "family camp" for this upcoming APEC Summit but clarified that it is a part of Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Program For Homeless Street Families (MCCT-HSF).
Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also downplayed allegation the government is planning to ‘hide’ the poor for the duration of the event starting November 17 to 20 in Manila where world leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend.
“The DSWD had the same program after the Pope’s visit; they had another similar activity. This has been happening for years and maybe it just happens to be reported every time there’s an event, but the truth is that it has been done by the DSWD for years,” Valte said during a press briefing.
Last January, the same controversy of hiding beggars has been the center of attraction for the government during the 5-day Papal Visit of Pope Francis.
The DSWD rented a resort in Batangas where the said "family outing" is held and where they shall be "trained".
The amount that the DSWD will give is going straight to the owners of the room for the dates November 15-20.
“We are doing this because we really see the need to get these families off the streets considering the dangers that they are exposed to. We are doing this not only in Manila where the APEC will be held, but also in other LGUs like Quezon City,”
“Aside from health reasons and safety reasons, we also want to secure these vulnerable groups from being exploited by unscrupulous individuals,” she added.
Kabataan Partylist Representative Terry Ridon and Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) spokesperson Wilson Fortaleza criticized the Aquino administration for its undeniable effort in trying to hide what are considered as something natural here in our country but also an embarrassment during international events.
The Palace remained standing to their justification that the DSWD is not only limited or 'active' during these kind of events but there are also ongoing projects in helping the poor transfer into respectable living quarters.
