Barangay Captain in Lapu-Lapu City Faces Backlash After Deducting From TUPAD Fund
A barangay captain from Lapu-Lapu City is being criticized for allegedly deducting P3, 300 from TUPAD fund.
A barangay captain from Lapu-Lapu City is facing criticism after a video surfaced showing him explaining that beneficiaries of the government’s TUPAD program would only receive part of their financial aid.
The video shows the official saying that only P1,000 of the P4,300 aid would be handed out, with the remaining P3,300 going to a city project. The man in the video was identified as Barangay Canjulao Captain Rufo Bering, who is also running for city councilor under Mayor Ahong Chan’s political slate.
In the video, Bering said that a large portion of the aid would be redirected to support the “Ahong Cares Bayanihan Project,” a program he also leads. The move stirred public outrage, with many questioning whether it was appropriate to withhold most of the TUPAD funds.
The Bayanihan Project is known for supporting local infrastructure efforts, especially in areas not covered by government funding. These include cementing roads located on private properties with the help of private sector contributions.
Bering explained that the deduction was meant to help the city through volunteer efforts. He also claimed that the setup did not violate any rules, since the money was still used for public benefit.
However, critics argue that TUPAD funds are intended for workers and should not be redirected without clear consent. Bering declined to give a statement regarding the issue, citing party decisions not to address the matter publicly.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas has launched an investigation. Officials warned that if the allegations are confirmed, Lapu-Lapu City could be barred from running the TUPAD program in the future.
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The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
