301 barangay officials facing criminal charges over SAP corruption-DILG

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported Wednesday there are a total of 301 barangay officials who are now facing criminal charges over alleged corruption in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash aid distribution. 

“Hindi po hihinto ang DILG at ang PNP sa paghabol sa mga kurakot na barangay, LGU officials, at personnel na ito,” DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a press statement.

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(DILG and PNP did not stop chasing corrupt barangay officials, LGU officials, and their personnel.)

“Secretary (Eduardo) Año has personally directed the PNP to ensure that cases are filed para maparusahan ang mga ito sapagkat talaga namang nakakagalit na sa panahon ng krisis kung kailan kailangang kailangan ng ating mga kababayan ng tulong ay nagagawa pa nilang manloko ng mga kabarangay nila,” he added.

(Secretary (Eduardo) Año has personally directed the PNP to ensure that cases are filed to punish them because it is frustrating that in times of crisis when our countrymen need help, they can still steal from their barangay constituents.)

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Malaya said authorities are building cases against 76 more barangay officials.

Also read: AFP, PNP to distribute second tranche of SAP

Barangay chairpersons mainly involved in SAP corruption

According to the recent data, Malaya said PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) received 381 complaints concerning the alleged corrupt practices of barangay officials. 

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The majority of the barangay officials charged with criminal complaints are barangay captains and kagawads. Malaya said even barangay secretaries, SK chairman, health workers, treasurers, and even officials and employees of localities were also involved in stealing SAP cash aid from beneficiaries. 

The officials would face alleged violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, RA 11469 known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, and RA 11332 or Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases charges.

The DILG urged the public to continually report anomalies in the SAP aid distribution as the second tranche of cash aid would be distributed this month. 

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced he would give a P30,000 reward to anyone who could provide verified information on local officials stealing cash aid for social amelioration program beneficiaries.

Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque said people might report their concerns and complaints to the government officials at Citizens’ Complaint Hotline 8888