Oppositionist Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman just cannot help demonstrate what how desperate he is as he criticized the establishment and operation of Malasakit Centers all over the country.
What I first described as a “one-stop shop” for public assistance is neophyte Senator Bong Go’s brainchild, and that being so really freaks the hell out of Lagman.
The Yellow attack dog complains that part of Malasakit Center’s funding comes from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which he said may be unlawful as it continues to be championed by the former Special Assistant to the President who is now a full-fledged politician.
“Why is the PCSO supporting Malasakit Centers which are a partisan tool?” says Lagman, who all these years has championed nothing but the congressional pork barrel, otherwise known as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
So, what is the difference between the PDAF and Malasakit Centers as tools for an efficient and effective delivery of public services to the poor, particularly medical assistance for which the PCSO is mandated for?
The PCSO General Manager scoffs at the Albay congressman's fake news as she clarifies that PCSO does not funnel any “singkong-duling” to the Malasakit Centers program, except that PCSO's on-site help desks called ASAP (At Source and Processing) desks are integrated into the Malasakit Centers.
Lagman should hear himself harping on the same string against Senator Go about “partisan politics” when his statements themselves comprise nothing but partisan politics or lowly politicking.
I mean no disrespect but I have to ask: Is such an action a sign of senility? Certainly it’s an exercise in futility.
What could we expect from someone who would not take a moment to look at himself in the mirror before maligning the vision of the Duterte administration’s Malasakit Center Program that facilitates various forms of public assistance.
Senator Go continues to support the Malasakit Center Program to help ensure its expansion and success in assisting our fellow Filipinos throughout the archipelago by closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, PCSO, as well as other frontline agencies.
It's a holistic approach and a team effort!
Inspired by his longtime boss, President Mayor Duterte, the soft-spoken senator guarantees that Malasakit Centers are a genuine, no-nonsense public service program for all Filipinos in dire need regardless of political affiliation, age and sexual orientation.
"Pera ng taumbayan po yan kaya walang pinipili, walang tinatanggihan, at kahit ano pa ang kulay niya," said the lawmaker from Davao.
It make sense for Senator Go to actively support his own pro-Filipino and pro-poor initiative, so Lagman ought to have the common sense to appreciate that.
It’s beyond politics, Mr. Lagman. It’s what you call public service. Why don’t you try it for once? It’s good for the heart and soul.