Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte welcomed the statement of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that barangay officials should not politicize aid distributions and must treat everyone fairly.
Remulla made the remarks in a speech during the event of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao City last January 6, 2025.
“However, this fairness extends to protecting public programs from exploitation, ensuring DSWD aid remains solely under the agency’s management,” Duterte said in a statement.
During the activity, Remulla emphasized the importance of allowing rival political parties to conduct activities and express their platforms freely across the city’s 182 barangays.
He underscored also that every candidate has the right to reach out to voters, regardless of their political affiliations, and added that as the 2025 elections draw closer, the DILG’s call for neutrality among barangay officials.
The mayor reminded Remulla that as public servants, they are bound to protect the integrity of government programs and the proper use of public resources.
“The DSWD must be the agency to distribute much-needed aid to deserving beneficiaries. No politicians, more so private individuals, must be involved,” Duterte said.
Furthermore, the mayor also called for the neutrality of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Reports of PNP personnel pressuring barangay officials to allow politically motivated activities in public facilities are concerning. Barangay captains are within their rights to deny access if they perceive such activities to be political in nature, especially considering that the individuals involved are private citizens,” the mayor said.
Duterte urged them to uphold fairness, neutrality, and accountability to prioritize the welfare of all Dabawenyos.
