SOCIAL Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday filed administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman against 14 barangay officials in Iloilo City, allegedly involved in irregularities in the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) payouts.
The filing stemmed from a Nov. 12 report submitted by DSWD Field Office 6, which detailed multiple complaints from beneficiaries.
According to the report, some village officials allegedly took PHP8,000 from recipients during payouts on Nov. 7, 11, and 12, leaving beneficiaries with only PHP2,000.
Gatchalian condemned the scheme, stressing that corruption has no place in the agency.
“Nakakalungkot isipin dahil… ang tulong ng DSWD ay dapat direstso sa bulsa ng nangangailangan, wala dapat nangingialam diyan,” he said.
“They are revictimizing the victims… mga persons of authority pa ang nagbi-victimize sa kanila,” he added.
The DSWD chief said criminal complaints are also being prepared against those involved. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its programs and ensuring full assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries.
Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda welcomed the filing and urged the prosecution of the perpetrators “including the masterminds and their co-conspirators.” She encouraged other victims and those whose names were misused to file complaints with DSWD Field Office 6. (PNA)
