MANILA, August 10, 2013—A Catholic prelate on Friday called on government leaders to strengthen the involvement of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in settling issues concerning the various marginalized sectors of the society.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo made this call upon his observation that the NAPC is being disregarded in most developmental consultations that aim to improve the plight of various sectoral groups.
“Considering the present circumstances, it seems like NAPC is being ignored. In government consultations meant to settle issues on land reform and the urban poor among many others, NAPC is among those agencies that are not present,” he said.
Being an organization dedicated to protect and fight for the rights of marginalized sectors, it is unfortunate that NAPC does not have a say, even the ability to establish influence over other departments, Pabillo, who also heads the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action, noted.
The prelate said that there are even instances wherein the organization itself is being used by the government to weaken the influence of marginalized sectors, making them all the more voiceless and unheard.
NAPC funds are sometimes being used to weaken the movements of various sectoral groups to fight for their respective advocacies, he added.
Pabillo said that it is good that the NAPC has been established, but nothing will happen if it will not serve its real purpose. (Jennifer M. Orillaza)
