Cebu City mayor affirms equal barangay subsidy distribution

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia of Cebu City defended the city's distribution of financial assistance to barangays amidst claims of political bias. He stated that the P5-million subsidies offered to each barangay were given without favoring any political group. During a press conference on March 24, Garcia shared that 61 of the city's 80 barangays had already received aid, with 22 more included in the latest release. Garcia emphasized that even barangays linked to opposition parties were granted the subsidy. He described the process as fair and devoid of political favoritism. This response came as critics suggested that these subsidies were being used to influence barangay leaders before the upcoming 2025 elections. Garcia dismissed these criticisms as unfounded and highlighted that actions speak louder than words. He also outlined the requirements barangays must fulfill to receive funds, including project proposals and compliance documents. Garcia warned that those failing to meet requirements by March 28 would have to wait until after the elections due to a disbursement ban from the Commission on Elections. In addition to defending barangay subsidies, Garcia faced questioning from the Cebu City Council over the alleged misuse of calamity funds used for rice distribution. Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos accused the administration of improperly allocating disaster funds for rice in areas not declared as calamity zones. Garcia rejected these claims, asserting the rice came from the Department of Social Welfare and Services and was part of a regular distribution program. He insisted that the rice distribution was legitimate and part of ongoing assistance efforts for indigent residents. The situation remains contentious as Garcia navigates the upcoming elections while addressing funding controversies.