A provincial legislator in Bohol has called for an investigation into alleged unauthorized deductions from wages distributed under the national government’s emergency employment program for disadvantaged workers in the town of Carmen, raising fresh issues over the handling of public assistance programs in the province.
Third District Board Member Nathaniel Binlod exposed the issue during a privilege speech before the Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan on May 26, alleging that some beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program were required to surrender part of their wages to program coordinators.
Binlod said he received reports that a private organization identified as the Bagong Pilipinas Citizen’s Movement had been involved in implementing the program in Carmen without proper coordination with barangay officials and the municipal government.
According to Binlod, beneficiaries were allegedly asked to contribute P1,499 from their TUPAD wages, with coordinators reportedly claiming the money would be used to cover operational expenses such as transportation and fuel costs.
He also alleged that some beneficiaries were warned that the program could be transferred to another municipality if they refused to pay the amount.
“TUPAD applications are free, and beneficiaries should receive their wages in full,” Binlod said, citing Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) rules prohibiting the collection of fees from program recipients.
The provincial board subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on Labor and Employment for investigation and for clarification from DOLE officials.
DOLE has not publicly commented on the allegations as of Saturday.
TUPAD is one of the national government’s largest emergency employment and social protection programs.
Administered by DOLE, it provides short-term jobs and income support to displaced, underemployed and vulnerable workers.
Beneficiaries are commonly assigned community-based activities such as cleanup drives, environmental projects and public service work, and are paid based on prevailing regional wage rates.
The program became a major component of the government’s broader “ayuda” or financial assistance system during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The allegations in Carmen emerge amid continuing scrutiny over the management of government aid programs in Bohol.
In 2024, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan called for an investigation into alleged irregularities involving the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program administered through the Office of Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado.
The controversy stemmed from claims that some beneficiaries received only P3,000 despite being allegedly listed for P10,000 in assistance, with questions raised over the disposition of the remaining funds.
The allegations were discussed in the provincial board and were linked by critics to personnel under the office of Governor Aris Aumentado.
Provincial officials later conducted an internal review while lawmakers pushed for a separate legislative inquiry.
While no formal findings have publicly established wrongdoing by the governor, the controversy heightened calls for greater transparency and monitoring of government-funded assistance programs in the province.
The issue raised by Binlod also mirror complaints reported in other parts of the Philippines involving social welfare and emergency employment programs.
In 2022, the Office of the Ombudsman launched a fact-finding investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of TUPAD in Quezon City, including complaints of unauthorized deductions, processing fees and incomplete payments to beneficiaries.
Similar allegations prompted labor authorities to suspend portions of TUPAD operations in Palawan while complaints were being investigated.
Binlod said he is seeking a review of TUPAD implementation beyond Carmen to determine whether similar practices may be occurring in other municipalities in Bohol.
“The objective is to ensure that beneficiaries receive the full assistance intended for them and that no form of wage theft is taking place,” he told fellow board members.
The provincial board’s labor committee is expected to summon relevant officials and seek clarification from DOLE as part of its inquiry.
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