Palace: Presence of 2 mayors at aid distribution justified
Palace press officer Claire Castro on Monday justified the presence of two Metro Manila mayors during a recent cash distribution event for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers despite the government’s anti-“epal” policy.
On March 17, President Marcos presided over the rollout of the government’s cash assistance program for PUV drivers amid soaring fuel prices, distributing P5,000 each to tricycle drivers in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Also at the event were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
Castro, however, said that Domagoso’s presence was justified since the event was held in his city.
Host’s presence required
“That was an event attended by the President so the host also needed to be there. It was held in Manila so it was fitting for Mayor Isko Moreno to meet and receive our President,” she said.
“As for Mayor Francis Zamora, he is the national president of the League of Cities which represents city mayors. Since this is a project of the President for tricycle drivers, with the beneficiaries known only to the LGU [local government unit], it was also appropriate for Mayor Francis Zamora to go there,” Castro added.
When asked whether Mr. Marcos is exempt from the anti-epal provision, Castro did not give a direct answer.
“That is the event of the President, so he should at least show the people that the government is running; the government is properly managed for the country and for the people,” she said.
According to her, the President should be visible because his presence “shows to our ‘kababayan’ his belief that no matter what crisis we face, we will overcome it.”
In signing the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 on Jan. 5, Mr. Marcos vowed that financial and other forms of aid would reach their intended beneficiaries, and these would not be used for political patronage.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act specifically prohibits public officials, candidates, politicians, political parties or their representatives from taking part in or influencing the distribution of cash assistance for political mileage or to further their own interests.
“Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid, and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage. No reduction. No shortage,” the President said in his speech after signing this year’s national budget.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian also warned “epal” politicians who show up at these events that they would be asked to leave or else, the activity would be halted.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government further warned that public officials or politicians found violating the provision may face administrative cases that may lead to their suspension.
