The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has clarified that its emergency employment program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad), will not be used to support the people’s initiative drive for Charter change (Cha-cha). Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma made this clarification in response to allegations that Tupad, along with other state programs, is being exploited by people’s initiative promoters to bribe individuals into affixing their signatures.
Expressing frustration over the alleged misuse of Tupad, Laguesma emphasized that the program cannot be promised by anyone for personal gain. He highlighted that individuals hired under the program must undergo a profiling process and adhere to strict documentation requirements set by the Commission on Audit. Laguesma warned that those proven to be using the program’s name for self-serving purposes will be disqualified from accessing its funds.
Tupad, a cash-for-work program, aims to provide 10-day emergency employment, not exceeding 30 days, to workers in the informal sector. These workers are paid the prevailing minimum wage in their respective areas. The program has been implemented in compliance with existing guidelines and auditing rules, leading to DoLE’s recognition as an outstanding government agency in terms of fund disbursement and disposition.
To ensure the proper implementation of Tupad, safeguards are in place, including thorough evaluation of beneficiaries and coordination with regional offices and local government units. The Labor Secretary assured the public that the program remains focused on its goal of assisting disadvantaged displaced workers.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that it has not received any petition regarding the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco stated that the poll body has no jurisdiction yet as they have not received any petition. Laudiangco added that Comelec would act on petitions if they were received, similar to complaints about alleged bribery in soliciting signatures, which is the initial step in a people’s initiative to amend the charter.
In a significant development, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6, which proposes amendments to Articles XII, XIV, and XVI of the 1987 Charter. This move has been seen as a validation of the House of Representatives’ long-standing push for constitutional reforms. House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe stated that the Senate’s agreement to amend the Constitution vindicates the House’s 37-year-long pursuit of constitutional reforms, as the Senate had previously rejected such proposals.
Albay 2nd District Rep. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” Salceda welcomed the Senate’s move, considering it a legitimization of the House’s efforts to amend what he referred to as “restrictive” provisions in the constitution. Salceda expressed his desire for the ongoing efforts to amend the constitution through people’s initiative to continue, allowing the Senate and House to vote jointly in a constituent assembly.
In conclusion, the DoLE has clarified that its emergency employment program, Tupad, will not be used to support the people’s initiative drive for Charter change. The program remains focused on assisting disadvantaged displaced workers, and strict safeguards are in place to ensure its proper implementation. The Comelec has yet to receive any petition regarding the people’s initiative, and the recent filing of RBH 6 by the Senate President has been seen as a validation of the House’s long-standing push for constitutional reforms. The ongoing efforts to amend the constitution through people’s initiative continue to gain momentum, with hopes for a joint vote by the Senate and House in a constituent assembly.
Source: The Manila Times
