Release of cash aid for seniors, PWDs in Cebu City faces delay

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VITAL assistance for over 90,000 senior citizens, 14,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs), and thousands of medical beneficiaries in Cebu City hangs in the balance as approval of an exemption from election-related funding restrictions faces delays.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia raised alarms about the issue, stressing that a prolonged deferment could disrupt critical social programs, including financial aid for vulnerable groups and medical support for those in need.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Rey Gealon, seeks to secure an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to bypass the disbursement restrictions outlined in Resolution No. 11060.

This rule prohibits public officials from releasing funds for social services 45 days before the May 12 elections unless an exemption is granted.

The delayed resolution risks halting several key programs, such as the quarterly financial assistance for senior citizens and PWDs, burial assistance, and the City Hospitalization and Medicines Program (CHAMP), which disburses up to P1 million daily.

Garcia emphasized the difficulties of providing some of the documents required by the Comelec, particularly those involving burial or hospitalization assistance, which are unpredictable by nature.

“Lisod siguro ihatag og beneficiaries kay wala man ta kahibaw kanus-a masakit ang tao. Ayaw lang sad tawn mi hatagi’g dokumento sa beneficiaries sa burial, kay wala man mi kahibaw kung kanus-a sila mamatay, kung kanus-a sad sila mahospital,” Garcia said.

He urged the City Council to act urgently, noting that the February 11 deadline for exemption applications leaves little room for further delay.

During the January 8 session, the City Council deferred action on the resolution, citing missing details and required attachments.

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Franklyn Ong pointed out that Comelec’s guidelines require specific project details, including implementation timelines, targeted beneficiaries, and funding amounts.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera echoed these concerns, stressing the need for accountability and transparency to avoid any potential misuse of funds. Gealon acknowledged the need for additional documentation and vowed to revise the resolution to address these issues.

Garcia reiterated the importance of approving the resolution before the council’s January 15 session to avoid any disruptions to essential services.

He warned that failing to secure the Comelec exemption would force the council to explain to beneficiaries why they could no longer receive assistance. (MyTVCebu)