The militant groups Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap accused Malacanang of using its programs for the poor, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Philhealth to stop their beneficiaries from joining protests that call for the president’s ouster.
Carlito Badion, national secretary-general of Kadamay, said they received reports that the Department of Social Welfare and Development called for a meeting with thousands of residents and 4Ps beneficiaries of Rodriguez, Rizal on Friday.
He added that Kadamay members also reported about the public announcement of local government in four barangays of Camarin, Caloocan City calling for a barangay meeting among poor families to receive their Philhealth memberships.
Badion said the DSWD would reportedly distribute the monthly financial assistance to the beneficiaries on Friday.
The activities of the two agencies would coincide with the scheduled protest tomorrow in Mendiola to call for President Aquino’s resignation.
Badion said Malacañang appeared “to fear that ordinary citizens would spontaneously join the growing demand to oust President Aquino”.
