Barangay execs facing complaint over 'stolen ayuda' in Davao City

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday assisted a Davao City resident in filing criminal and administrative charges against two barangay officials for allegedly stealing a portion of her cash assistance. 

DSWD Field Office-11 Regional Director Vanessa Goc-ong and Anne Villarin jointly executed a complaint affidavit before the local Office of the Ombudsman in the Davao Region. 

The DSWD said that the chief of Barangay Sinawilan and a barangay kagawad admitted in an interview with Brigada News FM Davao that P8,500 was deducted from the P10,000 cash aid to Villarin. 

Villarin, who is a pregnant woman, tearfully shared in her viral video that she was only left with P1,500 from her payout for the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fishermen, and their Families program last June 6 after she was informed that she had to remit the money to the barangay hall. 

The DSWD assured that it would assist Villarin throughout the pendency of the case. 

“Our office has also provided Mrs. Villarin with an additional Php8,500 because she refused to accept the money being returned by the barangay officials after the post went viral,” said DWSD spokesperson Irene Dumlao. 

The DSWD reminded local government officials that cash aid should be given in full to all beneficiaries.

GMA Integrated News previously reached out to one of the barangay officials who has yet to respond.—Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News