MANILA — Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday encouraged local government units (LGUs) to explore digital payment systems for the distribution of government assistance, saying the move could speed up the delivery of aid while preventing politicians from using the process for political promotion.
In his latest vlog, Marcos said the government is studying ways to modernize the distribution of public assistance following feedback from beneficiaries who want quicker and more convenient access to aid, especially senior citizens.
“Alam niyo po basta’t ito ay mga programa ng national government, ang mga speech at iba pang pang-epal bago ng distribution, hindi na pupuwede ‘yan (You know, as long as these are national government programs, speeches and other publicity before distribution, that’s not allowed),” Marcos said.
“Hindi puwedeng gamitin ang government services sa pamumulitika o pagpo-promote ng sarili (Government services cannot be used for politicking or self-promotion),” he stressed.
The President emphasized that rules already exist prohibiting such practices, pointing to a memorandum circular issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and provisions under the General Appropriations Act that regulate the use of government funds.
The term “epal,” commonly used in Filipino slang, refers to someone who seeks attention or publicity, particularly in situations where it is unnecessary.
Marcos said one solution being discussed is the digitalization of aid distribution, which could minimize delays and reduce the need for physical gatherings during payouts.
“Sa distribution naman, pinapag-usapan na ang pag-digitize ng proseso. Baka puwedeng (virtual walltet) GCash (As for distribution, there are discussions about digitizing the process. Maybe through digital payments like GCash),” Marcos said.
He noted that some local governments, including Makati City, are already exploring the use of digital wallets such as GCash to distribute financial assistance.
Marcos urged LGUs to examine these initiatives and consider adopting similar systems.
“Dapat tingnan pa rin ng mga local government unit ang modelong ito. Aralin ang sistema at unti-unting ma-implementa (Local government units should start looking at this model. Study the system and gradually implement it),” he said.
The President added that assistance funded by the national government should reach beneficiaries quickly and without unnecessary ceremonies.
“Basta’t sa national government nanggaling ‘yan, mabilis na. ‘Di ka na kailangan makinig sa mahabang speech ng mga pulitiko (As long as it comes from the national government, it’s quick. You don’t need to listen to the politicians’ long speeches).”| Darryl John Esguerra/PNA
