DILG expresses alarm over reports of social amelioration beneficiaries allegedly being nabbed

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it has been receiving reports of some residents getting arrested and jailed after posting their concerns about the government's Social Amelioration Program on social media.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Sunday, Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said some local officials allegedly went to the houses of these residents, dragged them to barangay halls, and jailed them in precincts.

“Meron pa diyan nag-post sa Facebook na, ‘Ako ay hindi nakatanggap. Ako ay hinatian (ng ayuda). Ako ay tinakot,’” he said.

“Pinuntahan ‘yung nag-Facebook at kinaladkad papuntang barangay. Meron pa, ipinakulong,” he added.

Diño said his office received about 3,000 complaints about the distribution of the social amelioration aid, aside from the complaints on alleged violence of authorities.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), around 85% of the beneficiaries already received the first tranche of the cash aid ranging from P5,000 to P8,000.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the deadline for the distribution of the cash subsidy will not be extended after May 10. Two extensions had already been given to local government units since the original deadline of April 30.

“Wala pong extension na ibinigay si Secretary Año. Deadline po ngayon,” Diño said, adding that local government officials who will fail to complete the distribution will face show cause orders.

The Social Amelioration Program aims to distribute cash aid of up to P16,000 in two tranches to 18 million low income families nationwide to help them cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around P200 billion has been released by the Department of Budget and Management for the program. 

Diño reminded precinct personnel not to jail any person just because he or she was brought in by barangay officials. He warned them that they could be charged for it.

“Kayo naman nasa presinto, hindi porket binitbit ni kapitan, ng tanod ay tatanggapin niyo na,” Diño said.

“Lahat po ng mga natatanggap naming reklamo ay may mga case buildup na kami. Sasampahan na po sila ng kaso,” he added. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News