The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reported at least 649 individuals, including 260 government officials, are facing charges for alleged anomaly on the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash aid distribution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya said the agency has been taking action on complaints regarding the distribution of financial assistance from the government.
“Yun pong 649 na ito ay nakasuhan dahil nga po doon sa iba’t iabng alegasyon ng anomaly sa pamimigay ng first tranche ng Social Amelioration Program,” Malaya said.
(We would file cases against the 649 because of different allegations of anomalies during the first tranche of Social Amelioration Program distribution.)
“Some 260 of them were elected local officials o public officials meaning barangay kapitan o kagawad o kaya naman municipal councilor. Iba’t ibang posisyon ito,” he added.
(Some 260 of them were elected local officials o public officials meaning they were barangay captains or kagawads or municipal councilor. They are holding different positions.)
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have filed the cases in courts, said Malaya. He added the DILG already issued show-cause orders to the officials involved.
DILG also filed complaints against the government officials before the Office of the Ombudsman, Malaya said.
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Department of Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista earlier said the AFP and PNP would distribute the second tranche of SAP.
The official said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to transfer the distribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Bautista added DSWS would utilize digital payment methods for the second tranche to avoid physical contact between the beneficiaries and authorities.
The government also launched the “ReliefAgad” mobile application for a faster, contactless, efficient, and transparent SAP.
“Taking note of all the feedback gathered from the first tranche implementation of SAP, we are streamlining our processes and adopting more effective measures to achieve more efficient, organized, and speedy SAP distribution,” Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag said during the virtual launch of the “ReliefAgad” mobile app.