𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐀𝐈𝐂𝐒 use by opponent to beat Du30 in Davwo City 2025 elections

𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐀𝐈𝐂𝐒 use by opponent to beat Du30 in Davwo City 2025 elections

I have reviewed the recent reports on the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) allocations for Davao City, and I want to straight.

For months, certain groups have tried to insinuate that AICS funds were controlled by my office or my allies. The data now publicly released—and the testimony presented in the Senate—say otherwise.

The highest AICS allocations went to individuals and groups aligned with the Marcos administration, including personalities who openly campaigned for the Nograleses and other administration-backed candidates in the 2025 elections.

These are not assumptions.

These are figures presented in the Senate itself—₱763.57 million for the 2nd District and ₱693.50 million for the 1st District, both of which were aggressively targeted by candidates allied with the national administration.

Needless to say, the Nograles camp and other administration-backed candidates like Javi Garcia Campos and the Al-ags apparently had access to AICS as what the dabawenyos were made to understand…as such, they in turn have benefited from it during the campaign period.

Numerous reports from the ground pointed to:

• AICS being distributed during campaign assemblies,

• AICS lists being handled by political operators tied to the administration slate,

• and AICS funds being used to mobilize supporters and even poll watchers.

These allegations must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

And yet, despite these massive government resources deployed in their favor, the people of Davao City rejected them—decisively.

Dabawenyos saw through the gimmicks.

Dabawenyos saw through the attempts to buy their loyalty.

And Dabawenyos overwhelmingly chose the candidates of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, because our people have always voted based on service, not on handouts.

We should however still thank the DSWD for releasing AICS during the election period. At the very least, the funds reached many Dabawenyos. Even though these were coursed through our opponents—whose leaders suddenly became wealthy overnight—the people were still able to benefit from the money, even if their own leaders took a cut before it reached them.

But the election result was a reminder that no amount of AICS money can overturn genuine public trust.

But while the people have spoken, the investigations must continue.

I strongly support a full COA audit on:

• the procedures in releasing AICS,

• the timing of the distributions,

• and, most importantly,

• whether the listed beneficiaries actually received the cash assistance reflected in DSWD forms.

Transparency is not optional. Accountability is not optional. And public funds should never be used as a political weapon against the very people who own that money.

I urge the DSWD leadership to cooperate fully, and I call on Congress to ensure that every peso is properly accounted for.

The people of Davao City deserve nothing less.