THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has filed graft and administrative complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against 14 local and barangay officials in Iloilo City, alleging irregularities in the distribution of cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced the filing on Thursday, withholding the names of the respondents and their barangays to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation. The complaints target 12 barangay officials, including captains, councilors (“kagawads”), treasurers, and appointed officials, as well as two city hall personnel.
The case centers around the P10,000 food assistance provided under the AICS program. The DSWD alleges that the funds were not distributed according to program guidelines and client eligibility.
“The perpetrators are barangay captains, barangay kagawads, barangay treasurer, barangay appointed officials, they are 14 in total,” Gatchalian stated in a press conference.
The complaint cites a specific incident on November 11 at the DSWD Western Visayas field office, where “certain individuals” allegedly took P8,000 from the P10,000 assistance, leaving beneficiaries with only P2,000 each.
The DSWD emphasized that AICS rules stipulate that beneficiaries are entitled to the full amount of the assistance, and “no one is allowed to take or reduce any portion of the assistance, whether during or after the payout.”
Secretary Gatchalian formed a team and launched an on-site investigation in Iloilo City after receiving the initial report. The investigation confirmed the allegations, leading to the filing of the complaints.
The DSWD is asking the Ombudsman to investigate the respondents for potential violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), grave misconduct, abuse of authority under Section 60(e) of the Local Government Code, and violations of Section 4(c) of Republic Act No. 6713.
In addition to the investigation, the DSWD has requested a preventive suspension order against the 14 officials to prevent any interference with the probe. The investigation is ongoing, and the DSWD has pledged to provide further updates as they become available.
metrosundaily
