Mayor Lucilo Bayron has vetoed a City Council resolution on the use of cash cards to distribute the allowances of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD), claiming it is prejudicial to their interest.
City councilor Peter Maristela, the author of the measure, said he respects the decision of the mayor but insists it is really beneficial to the recipients since they only need to send close relatives to the automated teller machine (ATM) to withdraw their allowances instead of going on their own.
Previously, the City Council requested the City Treasure’s Office (CTO) to study the proposal.
“This is just a request, but I respect the opinion of the mayor. I will not insist this resolution,” Maristela said.
Maristela said by allowing the beneficiaries to use the cash cards, it will be easier for them to withdraw their benefits or allowances, instead of the existing system which requires them to personally appear at designated places for distribution.
“Sana cash card na lang ang gamitin sa pagbibigay ng kanilang allowances. Hindi katulad ngayon na pupunta sila sa araw ng bigayan. Kung cash card ‘yan ay puwede na nilang ipakuha sa kanilang apo o anak dahil ang iba sa kanila ay mahihina na rin,” Maristela said.
He said that this will also allow beneficiaries to access and withdraw money at any time.
Maristela earlier asked the city government to fast track the distribution of quarterly allowances to beneficiaries, citing a present three-month delay in the release of funds.
The city council had previously approved an amendment to Section 4 of Ordinance No. 994 on the granting of allowances to the senior citizens, PWDs, and qualified students to change the P1,000 allowance to P1,500 quarterly.
