By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya assured residents that all government assistance earmarked for beneficiaries will be released in full, warning that any attempt to divert or withhold funds will be met with legal action.

Speaking during an assistance payout at the Bacolod City Government Center, Gasataya stressed transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid, telling recipients that the amount approved by the city is exactly what they should receive.

He underscored that there will be no deductions or “cuts” at any stage of the process.

The mayor did not identify a specific program or total amount during the event, but the city has recently rolled out multiple assistance initiatives, including reforms to the social pension for persons with disabilities, emergency cash aid for families affected by Typhoon “Tino,” and relief for residents displaced by the Barangay 39 fire.

Gasataya issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to misuse public funds, urging beneficiaries to report any irregularities directly to his office.

He said all complaints will be investigated thoroughly and that those found responsible for diverting assistance will face appropriate charges.

The pledge comes as the city intensifies support for vulnerable sectors — such as disaster-hit families, persons with disabilities, and overseas Filipino workers — while also addressing operational concerns at the city government center, including ongoing vendor relocation efforts./WDJ