Political 'rift' hinders distribution of rice subsidy to Zambo Sur farmers

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Due to the "political rift" between a municipal mayor and the governor, over 2,500 farmers have been deprived of their monthly rice subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). According to a press statement from Labangan Municipal Administrator Khadaffy Dilangalen Blao, the release of funds for farmers and fisher folk beneficiaries has been delayed due to provincial government's suspension of Labangan Mayor Wilson Nandang. Also, the Land Bank of the Philippines failed to release the P5-million budget for the subsidy due to Nandang's suspension, which affects his authority to make transactions for the municipal government. The statement said, the funds should have been released last June, adding that Nandang's suspension has also affected the release of the salaries of employees as well as the budget for operational expenses. Meanwhile, Nandang said Governor Antonio Cerilles is harassing the people of Labangan. "Ano ang nagawa ng mga mamayan dito para pahirapan niya ng ganito? Dahil ba hindi niya ako kapartido kaya pati mga mamamayan dito ay dinadamay at kinakawawa niya?" Nandang said in a statement. Last June, the provincial government issued a 60-day preventive suspension on Nandang, but Malacanang lifted the order after the provincial government failed to substantiate the allegation against the mayor. But several days after the Palace intervened, the provincial government issued another six-month suspension order on Nandang. In a radio interview, Governor Cerilles said he does not recognize Nandang as the legitimate mayor of Labangan. Nandang appealed to the governor to spare the poor farmers and fisher folk from the mess. “These poor residents of Zamboanga del Sur deserve his (Cerilles) mercy and he should not make them suffer for the political interests of others," Nandang said. The Office of the President has already issued an order asking the provincial government to give a reply to Nandang’s appeal. — Mariz Revales/CGL/LBG, GMA News