Garcia denies politics in cash aid distribution as 61 of 80 Cebu barangays get P5M each

Local

A TOTAL of 61 barangays in Cebu City have received P5 million each in financial assistance, with Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia assuring that the program is implemented fairly and without political bias.

As of Monday, March 24, the city has released subsidies amounting to P305 million, with funds allocated from the 2025 General Fund.

Garcia emphasized that the assistance is distributed regardless of political affiliations and that all barangays are eligible, provided they submit the required documents.

“Kining atong gipanghatagan, walay pili. Even the candidates nga naa sa pikas partido atong gitagaan, kay muingon nasad na sila nga namolitika ta,” Garcia said in a press conference on Monday.

He dismissed allegations that the funds were being used as leverage for political support, reiterating that barangays must comply with specific requirements, including a project proposal, barangay resolution, utilization reports from previous assistance, and a certificate of non-utilization of funds.

“Wala gyud tawon ko mamolitika. Can you imagine pila gud diha ka kapitan ang midagan sa pikas kampo? Wala gyud niy pagpili, hatag gyud sa tanan,” he said.

The mayor urged barangay officials to complete their submissions before March 28 to avoid delays, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will implement restrictions on the disbursement of public funds during the election period.

“Ang akoa lang, if maka-process pa ta before March 28, we will release the financial assistance before the [28th]. Pero if maglangay-langay sila ug process, I mean, I cannot process it for them kay sila baya ang magbuot unsay proposal nila, like ang purpose nila. It has to come from them,” he said.

Garcia also addressed speculations that the aid was being used to influence barangay leaders, particularly those affiliated with the opposition.

“Dili oy…No gyud…Wala gyud ko mo make it as pre-conditioned for them to get the financial assistance. Wala ko mubuhat ana,” he clarified.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council has raised concerns over the distribution of rice sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF).

During a council session on March 19, Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos questioned the legality of the rice distribution in Barangays Duljo-Fatima and Basak Pardo, areas that were not declared under a state of calamity. She criticized the program as a possible misuse of government funds for political gain.

A video presented by De los Santos showed sacks of rice being unloaded from a truck onto the ground, an act she described as lacking dignity and proper oversight.

“This is not just about rice. This is about dignity, transparency, and the proper use of public funds,” she said.

However, Garcia dismissed the allegation and maintained that the distribution followed established guidelines.

In addition to financial aid for barangays, Garcia announced that the city would provide incentives to Cebuano athletes who competed in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA).

Athletes who won gold medals will receive P5,000 each, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000. For team events, the incentives will be doubled to P10,000 for gold, P7,000 for silver, and P5,000 for bronze.

Garcia emphasized his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, stating that the incentives aim to recognize and motivate young athletes.

He also confirmed that the city will host a thanksgiving dinner for the medalists as a gesture of appreciation.

Coaches will also receive incentives, though the exact amount has yet to be determined. The budget for these incentives will be sourced either from city-sponsored activities or from the local school board.(TGP)