DBM insists CCT not alms but cash help

The Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) claimed that the very controversial Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or conditional cash transfer (CCT) is not alms but a worthy assistance for the destitute who prefers not to work.

Budget Undersecretary Laura Pascua said the P1,400 monthly stipend given to destitute families with three children is worthy since its long-term effect will only be seen after three to four years of implementation.

The DBM, as one of the four agencies composing the Development Budget Coordination Committee, is under serious scrutiny for sponsoring the P56-billion fund for CCT purpose in the 2013 budget.

“It is not for free. The children would need to go to school at least 85 percent and the pregnant mother has to visit a health clinic. It’s really our investment to ensure that poor children are educated and stay healthy. Wouldn’t you say that is value for money?” Pascua asked The Daily Tribune.

However, destitute singles or childless couples are not entitled to CCT as the program aims to strengthen families, not single individuals.

Many are criticizing the CCT as it tolerates laziness and mendicancy and the biggest benefactors are provinces and cities whose governors and mayors belong to Liberal Party, the party of President Aquino.

“This is free for the poor who don’t do their best to uplift their conditions. Why not let the benefactors work first before the money is given.

Let them clean canals or pick up garbage first before we pay them. How about the farmers who work very hard; they plant vegetables and rice we eat but the government is not helping them that much,” an investment banker who declined to be named said.

For his part, DSWD Undersecretary Mateo Montano also defended the CCT, saying it is not alms but cash assistance. “Children aged three to 14 must go to school, regularly checked at health centers and pregnant mothers have their pre- and post-natal checkup.

“The objective of the program is to help these poor children achieve at least basic education and ensure their physical well-being. And for pregnant women, ensure maternal and child health and nutrition. These are the basic requirements to enable them improve their opportunities to get out of their present conditions,” Montano said.

Montano said the two top provinces in terms of number of CCT benefactors are Maguindanao (114,305 families) and Camarines Sur (102,782 families).

“As of June 30, 2012, a total of 2,947,142 families were provided cash grants,” he said. –Ed Velasco, Daily Tribune