The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas said all 42,011 barangays nationwide are entitled to receive P200,000 each under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, amid claims that some areas were being excluded due to politics.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on April 25, the Liga said the program is being rolled out nationwide in phases and remains subject to the submission, validation, and verification of required documents.
“Each of the 42,011 barangays nationwide has the unequivocal right to receive the P200,000 support under this program, subject to the proper submission of required documents in accordance with established guidelines,” the Liga said.
It stressed that no barangay will be left behind, adding that the program is anchored on fairness, transparency, and accountability.
As of April 24, the Liga said it had received around 32,000 requests, all of which have been endorsed to the Office of the President. Around 10,000 barangays have yet to submit their applications.
“The Liga ng mga Barangay strongly urges all concerned barangays to complete and submit their requirements at the soonest possible time to ensure their inclusion in the ongoing rollout,” it said.
The Liga said the program is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s efforts to bring government support directly to the grassroots, recognizing barangays as the frontline of public service.
It also credited Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and his office for facilitating the processing and distribution of assistance nationwide.
“Isa pong kasinungalingan ang pahayag ni Cong. Leandro Leviste na ako ay may sinabihan na hindi sila pwedeng makakuha ng SCPF program ng pangulo dahil ‘tampo’ si Governor Vilma Santos Recto,” Rocafort said.
Rocafort said some barangay captains from the district had apologized for failing to attend meetings, claiming they were prevented and intimidated by their congressman.
“Ang katotohanan dito ay may mga kapitan mula sa unang distrito ang humingi ng paumanhin dahil hindi sila makakapunta dahil sila ay pinigilang at tinakot dumalo ng kanilang Congressman,” he said.
He added that despite their absence, his office still assisted in processing their documents with the Office of the President.
“Lingid sa kaalaman ni Cong. Leandro Leviste kahit sila ay pinigilang dumalo tumulong pa din po ang opisina natin upang maproseso ang kanilang mga dokumento sa Opisina ng ating Pangulo,” Rocafort said.
Rocafort also urged officials not to use barangay leaders for political purposes.
“Ako po ay nakikiusap na sana huwag ipitin o gamitin sa pamumulitika ang mga kapwa kong kapitan,” he said.
The Liga said it continues to work with the Office of the Executive Secretary to ensure all barangays are processed properly and that implementation remains efficient.
It also encouraged the public to report concerns through its official Facebook page, assuring that complaints will be reviewed and acted upon.
Leviste has yet to respond to Rocafort’s statements as of posting time.