DSWD warns vs using fake documents in applying for gov’t aid

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) over the weekend renewed its warning against submitting fake documents in requests for assistance from the agency or other government aid programs.

In a statement on Saturday, the DSWD stressed that submitting falsified documents and identification cards (IDs) are punishable offenses under the country’s laws.

“Mahigpit po naming pinapaalalahanan ang publiko na huwag gumamit ng pekeng ID o anumang falsified na dokumento para lamang makakuha ng tulong mula sa DSWD o sa kahit na anong ahensya ng gobyerno. Ito po ay mahigpit na ipinagbabawal at may kaukulang pananagutan sa ilalim ng ating Revised Penal Code,” said DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

(We are firmly reminding the public not to use fake IDs or any falsified document just to get help from the DSWD or any agency of the government. This is strictly prohibited and is punishable under the Revised Penal Code.)

The warning came after a social worker of the DSWD’s Field Office (FO) National Capital Region (NCR) in Manila intercepted a male client who presented fake documents while seeking medical assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

On February 11, the man presented a fake person with disability (PWD) ID card during his interview. His statements during the interview did not match the documents that he submitted.

“Habang iniinterview ang nasabing kliyente, umamin po sya sa aming social worker na peke ang kanyang mga dokumento kaya’t agad siyang inireport ng DSWD FO NCR sa Barbosa Police Station (PS-14) para ipa-blotter,” Dumlao said.

(While interviewing the said client, he admitted to our social worker that his documents were fake so the DSWD FO NCR immediately reported it to the Barbosa Police Station to have it recorded in the police blotter.)

Dumlao said anyone who would take advantage of the government’s aid program will be dealt with accordingly and will face criminal charges.

“Ang mga programa ng gobyerno ay para sa mga tunay na nangangailangan. Sa paggamit ng pekeng dokumento, hindi lamang batas ang nilalabag, kundi ay inaagawan din ng pagkakataon ang mga lehitimo na kliyente na mabigyan ng karampatang tulong,” she said.

(The programs of the government are for those who truly in need. By using fake documents, they are not just violating the law, but are robbing legitimate clients of a chance to receive much-needed aid.)

“Dahil dito, hindi magdadalawang-isip ang DSWD na magsampa ng kaso laban sa sinumang mapatunayang gumagamit ng mga pekeng dokumento,” she added.

(Because of this, the DSWD will not think twice in filing charges against anyone using fake documents.)

Dumlao also urged the public to report any individuals using fake documents in securing assistance from government agencies.

“Hinihikayat po namin ang publiko na maging mapagmatyag at i-report ang anumang kahina-hinalang gawain sa ating mga kapulisan o sa kahit anong law enforcement agency para mapanatili ang integridad ng mga programa ng DSWD,” she added.

(We encouragae the public to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activities to our police or any law enforcement agency to maintain the integrity of the programs of the DSWD.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News