VOTER’S ID NOT NEEDED TO
RECEIVE RELIEF GOODS; PRIORITIZE THOSE WHO NEED IT THE
MOST—DILG 10 REITERATES

As some local government units and barangays start distributing relief goods due to COVID-19 crisis, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 reminds to set aside politics and cater those who need it the most.

“In these trying times, let us not make it harder for our constituents by requiring them to present their voter’s ID first before granting them the relief goods. Instead, our LGUs and barangays must see to it that we prioritize the poorest of the poor and not their friends and relatives,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe.

Further, he reiterated that DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año will not hesitate to file charges against barangay officials injecting politics into relief distribution at this time of national calamity if warranted by evidence.

As per DILG Central Office, the newly signed RA 11469 otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act” provides penalties to LGU officials disobeying national government policies or directives during this period of national emergency. Section 6 of RA 11469 imposes imprisonment of two (2) months or a fine of not more than One Million pesos or both, at the discretion of the court, for violations of the said law.

With this, the Regional Director called for the local government units and barangays to ensure that their policies are consistent with the national directives to avoid confusion and unfairness within their communities.

“COVID-19 is already a serious concern that we need to address; thus, we are calling our leaders to step up and ensure that they are contributing solutions and not aggravating the problems we are facing now, RD Agabe said. (DILG 10/LGOO II Rezza Mae B. Tolinero)