DILG exec sees 'sabwatan' in aid distribution anomalies

An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) believes irregularities in the distribution of the government cash subsidy are done in collusion with social welfare and city/municipal hall officials.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Tuesday, DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño said they have been receiving complaints against personnel and officials of local governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“May reklamo kaming natanggap sa mga DSWD. May reklamong kaming natanggap dito sa mga tauhan ni mayor sa city hall kasi sila ang may hawak ng pera,” he said.

“Ang barangay, naka-assist lang. Ang nagpapamigay ng pera, ang mga taga-city hall o kaya taga-munisipyo. Sabwatan 'yan,” he added.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte offered a P30,000 reward for every person who could  give information on corrupt officials committing irregularities in the  distribution of the cash assistance.

Duterte specifically named barangay councilor Danilo Flores of Agustin in Hagonoy, Bulacan as one of the allegedly corrupt local officials. According to Diño, the DILG already ordered Flores' arrest.

“Ang ginawa niyan right after na pagkakuha ng pera noong mga constituents. Inikutan niya 'yun. Sinabihan niya pa na para raw kay mayor, para raw kay kapitan,” Diño said.

“Kulong agad 'yan, dalawang buwan,” Diño added, citing a provision under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which was passed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diño warned personnel and officials in local governments and DSWD against committing irregularities in handling the distribution of the cash assistance amid the health crisis.

“Warning na 'to. Both kapitan at barangay officials tapos kayo ring mga taga-city hall at DSWD. Huwag niyong lokohin 'to dahil ngayon may pabuya na,” he said.

Currently, Diño said that they have received around 100 reports against barangay officials facing no less than 20 complaints each. Show cause orders have been issued against them, he added.

The program in light of the COVID-19 impact aims to distribute aid of up to P16, 000 to 18 million low income families nationwide in two months with a budget of P200 billion.

According to Diño, government officials who are involved in mishandling the fund will face imprisonment and fine of up to P1 million. --Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News