Vilma Santos’ camp denies role in barangay fund controversy

Facts over friction

The statement cited Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who earlier emphasized that the barangay support program is “not political in nature” and is intended to benefit communities, particularly students and local barangays in need of assistance.

“The release of assistance is based on completion and review of required documents, not on political affiliation, favoritism, or personal preference,” the statement read.

According to the provincial government, 980 out of 1,078 barangays in Batangas have already received support under the program. Delays in the remaining areas were attributed to incomplete submissions or failure of some local representatives to attend scheduled fund handovers, despite checks already being prepared in certain cases.

The governor’s camp also pushed back against allegations that some barangays were deliberately excluded due to political reasons, calling such claims “baseless and unfair to the process.”

“The Governor’s duty is to follow the instructions of the Office of the President and ensure proper implementation,” the statement added, urging stakeholders to refrain from politicizing what it described as a people-centered program.

The Provincial Government of Batangas reiterated its commitment to carrying out directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for what it called a “fast, fair, transparent, and inclusive” rollout of assistance across all barangays.