A barangay chairperson and a municipal social welfare and development (MSWD) officer are now facing complaints related to the distribution of the cash aid from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
According to Western Visayas police chief Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, charges for violating Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code or the “falsification of document by a public officer” were filed against Barangay Chairwoman Maria Luz Leal Ferrer of Barangay 8 in Isabela and MSWD officer Mae Fajardo.
Pamuspusan said Friday authorities had received information that Ferrer allegedly gave financial aid to her grandchild and niece despite though they are not qualified for SAP. Fajardo allegedly connived with the barangay chairwoman.
The police also said there were also complaints that Ferrer was biased in selecting SAP beneficiaries in her area.
Pamuspusan also reported Wizza Leal and Emmanuel Orsolon would also face complaints about an alleged violation of Article 172 or the “falsification of public document by a private individual.”
The police chief ordered all Western Visayas provincial and city directors to launch hotlines and complaint centers, which will process reports on local officials stealing or mishandling SAP aid.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government meanwhile warned local officials against prioritizing relatives and political allies as cash aid beneficiaries.
Also read: QC barangay hands cash aid to women instead of men
SAP Cash aid complaints in Hagonoy Bulacan
A similar incident occurred in Bulacan where NBI summoned the mayor of Hagonoy, Bulacan, as well as the chairman and officials of Barangay San Agustin in the town over the issue of alleged cuts from financial assistance for residents.
Hagonoy Mayor Raulito Manlapaz said he was unaware of the issue of that kagawad Danilo Flores of Barangay San Agustin allegedly takes cuts from the social amelioration program.
According to one resident, many of them did not receive the whole amount of financial aid.
After claiming P6,500 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a local government staffer allegedly approached him and asked for P4,000 to be given to those who had not received any assistance.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier offered a P30,000 reward to anyone who could provide verified information on local officials stealing cash aid for social amelioration program beneficiaries.