139 cases filed vs local gov’t officials over allegedly mishandling COVID-19 cash aid

A total of 139 cases have been filed against local government officials whose handling of funds for the cash subsidy program amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was anomalous, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Monday.

Año said tips from 452 complainants led to the investigation of 649 suspects.

From this number, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group was able to prepare 250 cases, 139 of which have already been filed at the fiscal's office.

“Ito ay tuloy tuloy sapagkat kailangang managot ang mga local government officials na nag-corrupt, nag-aksaya, at nag-abuso sa pagdi-distribute ng social amelioration,” the Interior Secretary said in a televised briefing.

He also said 885 private individuals were arrested for various crimes such as hoarding, profiteering, and manipulation of prices.

“Ito po ay masasabi nating economic sabotage habang mayroon tayong pandemic,” Año said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier offered a 30,000-peso reward for information on government officials allegedly corrupting funds for the national government’s financial assistance program.  -- BAP, GMA News