Human Rights Online Philippines

Activists: Gov’t using CCT to dissuade folk from joining progressive groups – Interaksyon.com.

Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines – The activist fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kulisang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas accused the government on Thursday of using the conditional cash transfer program to dissuade people, especially in rural areas, from associating with progressive organizations and party-list groups.

Pamalakaya chairman Fernando Hicap claimed people have been told they will not get the P1,400 monthly intended for the country’s poorest families under the CCT if they join activities by activist organizations.

Hicap, who was in Iloilo from April 1 to 8 to consult with fisherfolk in the province, said he was told by Pamalakaya members there and in other parts of Western Visayas that local government officials and social welfare officials told them to shun progressive party-list groups if they want to receive their subsidies.

“The sinister agenda and militarist color of CCT is exposed. It is more of a counterinsurgency ploy under the US counterinsurgency program-directed Oplan Bayanihan and a not a poverty alleviation mission as hyped by the Aquino presidency,” he said in a statement.

Hicap said CCT beneficiaries should not be denied the subsidy because of their political leanings.

He urged Congress to look into the matter when its oversight committee tasked to evaluate the implementation of the CCT is organized.

Read full article @ InterAksyon.com