Mayor Zamora of San Juan denies JV Ejercito’s claim that he is involved in the alleged TUPAD scam
TUPAD SCAM? – San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora denied claims by Senator JV Ejercito that he is involved in corrupt practices related to government cash aid.
In a privileged speech, Ejercito accused Zamora and a councilor of taking illegal payments from social welfare subsidies. Ejercito showed two videos during the speech. The first showed a beneficiary saying they were asked by a councilor’s staff for a share of government help. The second video supposedly showed the mayor’s share being collected.
However, Zamora questioned if the videos were real and if the people in them were trustworthy, pointing out the lack of solid proof against him. Zamora and Ejercito come from different political groups in San Juan City, which makes the accusations more complicated. Ejercito also said that funds meant for employment programs were wrongly used, given out as cash gifts to local officials during Christmas.
“Sino ho ba yung mga nasa video? B’at hindi ho sila pumunta rito kung talaga bang merong nangyaring bigayan ng pera o kickback…Andali-dali magsabi ng ganong paratang…Ano ba ang ebidensiya na meron sila na tumanggap si mayor ng P6,500,” Zamora said.
Zamora clarified that the San Juan City government doesn’t handle the distribution of these funds; it’s the Department of Labor and Employment’s responsibility. He explained that the city’s role is just to list beneficiaries and help them get the required IDs.
“Ang aming tungkulin lang ay maglista ng mga benepisyaryo, siguraduhin na sila ay kuwalipikado at tulungan sila na magkaroon ng DOLE ID, TUPAD ID,” Zamora explained.
According to ABS-CBN News, Zamora said he’s ready to talk to Ejercito and his brother, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, if they invite him to the Senate. He also hinted that he might take legal action against Ejercito. Ejercito’s speech has been sent to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and Committee on Public Order for further investigation.
