The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recalled its field officer in Quezon City to help keep the government’s flagship cash-for-work program on track.
The move came following allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in several districts of the locality.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III identified the field officer as Atty. Joel P. Petaca of the DOLE-National Capital Region Office. Bello ordered the recall of Petaca to his mother unit so he can shed light on the controversy.
“I want to know why he allowed such problems to happen in the delivery of TUPAD in Quezon City. He was supposed to monitor the program of our department. Was he negligent?” Bello explained during the launch of ‘Bikecination’ and other key livelihood projects of DOLE in Pasay City on Tuesday.
Earlier, Quezon City residents claiming to be beneficiaries of TUPAD complained payouts of the program were not given in full. Reports of ‘ghost beneficiaries’ were also brought to the attention of authorities.
Bello said DOLE is almost done with its investigation on the matter. He said they are also waiting for the outcome of the probe conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation.
“Once all the reports are in, we will definitely go after the individuals behind this problem,” he said. (DOLE) -rir
