Two individuals among 14 barangay officials and workers involved allegedly in cash aid modus are said to be employees of the Iloilo City Government.

They are identified as Jobert Lim and John Paul Dizon assigned reportedly at the Mayor’s Office. However, the mayor has not issued a statement yet on the involvement of alleged employees.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas  went to the Mayor’s Office but was advised that the official is preoccupied with duties. But according to a source of the news team, Dizon is a former staff member of the Executive Assistants’ Office. When the office was turned into the “Atipan” Center, he was deployed purportedly on the field.

The source, though, could not pinpoint the exact status of the said employee.

Further, no one could provide information on Lim’s status.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon (Rex) Gatchalian filed a complaint against 12 barangay officials and two LGU employees on reported kickbacks made to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) cash payout.

The filing of a complaint is a good start, according to a church official.

"That’s a good beginning. At I hope and pray na hindi tayo malusutan. At dapat may masampulan talaga,” said Msgr. Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center.
Of the 14 individuals, five are punong barangay (barangay chairman/woman).

The president of the Iloilo City Liga ng mga Barangay said that the complaint is now with the Ombudsman. She said the officials cannot count on the Liga when it comes to the Ombudsman's decision.

“Kasi ang sa amin mula noon, nasabi na sa kanila na kung magkasala kayo, hindi kayo mag-expect ng tulong,” Councilwoman Ma. Irene Ong, Liga ng mga Barangay president, underscored.

Gina Elauria of Taytay Zone II (2) in the District of Jaro is among punong barangays mentioned in the complaint filed by DSWD, along with one of her kagawads (council members) Jingjing Pineda.

The news team tried to seek an interview with them at the barangay, however the two have not reportedly showed up since December 11, 2025.

Despite the complaints raised on alleged anomalous distribution of the AICS, a beneficiary in Barangay Simon Ledesma said she received the P10,000 cash aid in full amount last November 2025.

“Buo talagang diyes mil (P10,000) ang ibinigay sa akin. Yun nga, sabi ko bumili ako ng aking mga gamot,” Nene, the beneficiary, said. But she also agrees that officials involved in alleged kickbacks made to the cash aid should be held accountable.

“Syempre kung dapat managot, managot talaga sila kasi ginawa nila 'yan,” she added.

Two barangay chairpersons have already been interviewed by the news team. Both denied the allegation.