97% of COVID-19 aid distributed - DILG

At least 97 percent of the cash aid under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) has been distributed to the beneficiaries, reported Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano on Tuesday.

He reported that distribution has been completed early by Region I, V, XII, and CARAGA.

"Dito po sa distribution ng SAP, meron tayong na-monitor na anomalies," Ano added.

He said there are local government officials who have been arrested, detained, and asked to explain.

He said there are local government officials who have been arrested, detained, and asked to explain.

There are 183 barangay officials are under investigation for alleged connection to anomalies during aid distribution by the PNP-CIDG. 

Ano said 48 mayors have been asked to explain for failing to meet the deadline and below 20 percent under accomplishment.

He added that 12 cases have been filed, four cases are being prepared for filing, while 58 are still being processed with two persons arrested and in prison.

He called on all local government units to post the names of beneficiaries who received their cash aid for transparency.

"Yung nakatanggap ng doble, ipapapaskil ang nakatanggap ng doble," he added.

For those who received cash aid more than once, they are encouraged to return the money.

"Para naman ang ibang mga kababayan natin na hindi nakatanggap na siya naman bibigyan ng  priority sa second tranche," he said.

Ano said he directed LGUs a list of names of the five million families who were not yet able to receive cash aid. These families with be given cash aid through the SAP in second tranche. -- BAP, GMA News