HOUSE ‘YOUNG GUNS’ DEFEND MIGS NOGRALES FROM PULONG DUTERTE’S ‘BASELESS ATTACKS’

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Like the proverbial knights in shining armour, the so-called Young Guns of the House of Representatives vigorously defended House Deputy Majority Leader and Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles against what they call “baseless accusations” of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who claimed that the distribution of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is being politicized.

Firing the first shot, Pulong Duterte Duterte claimed that his office’s medical assistance program in Davao City has been suspended because the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) allegedly stopped funding its services in favor of Nograles’ PBA partylist.

Atty. Migs shot back thru her Facebook page, cautioning against misinformation and black propaganda.

She pointed out that the DSWD continues to fund her office’s medical assistance program, saying if the DSWD had no funds, the PBA wouldn’t be able to provide continuous support to those in need.

It can be recalled that Rep. Pulong’s father former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Rep. Migs’ father, the late former speaker Prospero Nograles, had been bitter political rivals in Davao for at least 24 years until the latter supported Duterte’s successful presidential bid in 2016.

Now came the House “Young Guns” ostensibly “to save their Queen.”

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jill Bongalon noted that Nograles’ work “in ensuring that DSWD funds reach those most in need is beyond reproach.”

“This unfounded criticism only serves to distract from the real issues at hand and undermines the efforts of those truly working for the welfare of our citizens,” Bongalon said.

“Rep. Nograles has consistently demonstrated her commitment to this principle. We must focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than unfounded accusations that serve no one but personal agendas,” Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong noted.

“We, the Young Guns, know firsthand the tireless work that Rep. Nograles puts into her role. The accusations leveled against her are baseless,” he added.

1-Rider party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez also said Nograles “has always placed the needs of her constituents above all else.”

“Her dedication to ensuring that DSWD funds are allocated fairly and efficiently is a testament to her commitment to public service. These unfounded accusations from Rep. Duterte only serve to undermine the hard work of those truly dedicated to helping the poor and needy,” Gutierrez quipped.

“The attacks on Rep. Nograles are not only baseless but also counterproductive. Her efforts to secure and distribute DSWD funds are in line with her unwavering commitment to public service. Rep. Duterte should be more aware of the facts before making such serious accusations,” he further noted.

La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega said Nograles’ “track record speaks for itself. Her integrity and dedication to public service are evident in every action she takes. It is disappointing to see her work questioned by those who may not fully understand the processes and challenges we face.”

For his part, Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun said: “Rep. Nograles’s dedication to her constituents and her transparent handling of funds are commendable. We, the Young Guns, stand with her and call for a return to constructive discourse.”

“Had Rep. Duterte been more active in House sessions, he would appreciate the complexities of fund allocation and distribution. Rep. Nograles has always been transparent and accountable in her actions. We must move past these baseless accusations and focus on serving our constituents effectively,” Khonghun added.

(el Amigo/mnm)