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Advocates Philippines
Leviste Raises Alarm Over Barangay Exclusion In P200K Aid Program
Photo credit: Leandro Leviste
Controversy has emerged in Batangas after several barangays were reportedly left out of a government aid distribution program led by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr..
The President visited the province for the rollout of the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program, which provides ₱200,000 to each barangay. However, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste said at least 84 barangays were not included in the distribution event.
Leviste also raised concerns that some barangay officials were not invited, and that one barangay captain was allegedly told by Fernando Rocafort that their exclusion was due to “tampo” from Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
“Ang kapal ng mukha ng mga politikong pinipigil ang pamimigay ng ayuda na hindi naman sarili nilang pera. Siguro naman hindi ito alam ni President Marcos, pero siya ang nasisira dito, dahil hindi tinutupad ang kanyang pangako na bawat barangay ay mabibigyan,” Leviste said.
He added that after the issue was raised, the previously excluded barangays were later informed they would still receive the ₱200,000 assistance. He urged national officials to clarify why the barangays were not initially included in the distribution program to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Leviste also filed a resolution calling on the Office of the President to investigate alleged discrimination and possible corruption in the implementation of both the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” and “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” programs. The resolution seeks to ensure transparent and equal distribution of funds to local government units.
It also cited reports that intermediaries have allegedly approached local officials offering access to funds from the Local Government Support Fund in exchange for commissions of up to 25 percent, raising concerns over possible abuse in discretionary fund allocation.
To address these issues, Leviste proposed that government assistance be directly credited to barangays, similar to the National Tax Allotment system, instead of requiring officials to attend physical distribution events, especially amid rising fuel costs and logistical challenges.
The President visited the province for the rollout of the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program, which provides ₱200,000 to each barangay. However, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste said at least 84 barangays were not included in the distribution event.
Leviste also raised concerns that some barangay officials were not invited, and that one barangay captain was allegedly told by Fernando Rocafort that their exclusion was due to “tampo” from Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
“Ang kapal ng mukha ng mga politikong pinipigil ang pamimigay ng ayuda na hindi naman sarili nilang pera. Siguro naman hindi ito alam ni President Marcos, pero siya ang nasisira dito, dahil hindi tinutupad ang kanyang pangako na bawat barangay ay mabibigyan,” Leviste said.
He added that after the issue was raised, the previously excluded barangays were later informed they would still receive the ₱200,000 assistance. He urged national officials to clarify why the barangays were not initially included in the distribution program to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Leviste also filed a resolution calling on the Office of the President to investigate alleged discrimination and possible corruption in the implementation of both the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” and “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” programs. The resolution seeks to ensure transparent and equal distribution of funds to local government units.
It also cited reports that intermediaries have allegedly approached local officials offering access to funds from the Local Government Support Fund in exchange for commissions of up to 25 percent, raising concerns over possible abuse in discretionary fund allocation.
To address these issues, Leviste proposed that government assistance be directly credited to barangays, similar to the National Tax Allotment system, instead of requiring officials to attend physical distribution events, especially amid rising fuel costs and logistical challenges.
Apr 24, 2026
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