Pacquiao alleges P10.4B lockdown cash aid missing

As he takes the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Manny Pacquiao named some agencies allegedly involved in government corruption.

Pacquiao revealed that more than P10 billion in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) funds, or pandemic aid for those who adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, are allegedly missing.

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As a result, 1.3 million beneficiaries did not receive assistance during the pandemic.

“Nalulula po ako. Doon po sa binanggit ko na isang isyu lamang P10.4 billion na po kaagad ‘yon. Malaking pera po,” Pacquiao said in a virtual conference before sailing to America for his fight.

Pacquiao also questioned the use of the Starpay e-wallet in SAP distribution. The purpose of using the service for the distribution of aid is good. But he said the problem is that it has been infiltrated by corruption.

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“Sa kabuuang halaga na ito ay may inilaan ng P50 billion more or less ang DSWD para lang sa isang hindi kilalang e-wallet na kung tawagin at Starpay na may paid-up capital lang na P62,000. Ang problema bakit sa 1.8 million na binigyang mula sa Starpay ay 500,000 lamang po ang nabigyan,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao alleges P10.4B lockdown cash aid missing

According to Pacquiao, it is forbidden to withdraw aid without the app, and many have not downloaded it. He said it turns out that only 500,000 used it.

“Ang nawawalang salapi ay P10.4 billion, nasaan na napunta ang limpak limpak na ayuda?” said Pacquiao, who plans to file a resolution to be investigated in the Senate.

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He also denied he was politicizing the situation in the face of the upcoming elections. He said this has nothing to do with whatever his political plans are next year, and he also insisted that he is not trying to anger Duterte.

According to the DSWD, they are ready to face any allegations against them.

“DSWD is willing to face any investigating body and present the necessary evidence, documents to clarify those raised by the good Senator. In fact, the agency has attended several Congressional hearings relative to the SAP implementation,” said DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

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