The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) called on 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.
Flores paid bail and has been released after being arrested by police on Saturday.
The Barangay San Agustin chairperson and Flores sent lawyers to the NBI because they are allegedly sick.
However, 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.
NBI officer in charge, Eric Distor, urged the victims to complain.
According to the NBI, they will give barangay officials a chance to explain before examining whether they should be prosecuted.
The government rolled out more than P200-billion worth of funds to aid low-income families amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of May 7, Department of Health reported 339 new cases and 27 new deaths bringing the total to 10, 343 confirmed cases, and 685 deaths. It also reported 112 new recoveries.
Also read: How to Avail DSWD Social Amelioration Package
Duterte offers P30k reward for info on local officials stealing cash aid
President Rodrigo Duterte will give a P30,000 reward to anyone who could provide verified information on local officials stealing cash aid for social amelioration program beneficiaries, Malacañang Palace said Monday night.
“‘Pag napatunayan po ‘yong inyong reklamo sa korapsyon laban sa mga lokal na opisyales na kinukurakot ‘yong mga ayuda na pinamimigay ng gobyerno, P30,000 ang pabuya na ibibigay ng ating presidente sa inyo,” said Presidential spokesman Harry Roque in an inter-agency task force meeting.
Duterte also called out to Mayors to oversee the financial aid distribution. He cited a barangay kagawad, a certain Danilo Flores of Barangay San Agustin, Hagonoy, Bulacan, was accused of graft.
“Mayors naman [mayors please], kindly look into the people that you have commissioned to do the distribution doon sa pera [of the money],” the president said.