DSWD files complaints vs Iloilo City officials tagged in cash aid kickbacks

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) filed complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against Iloilo City local officials tagged in an alleged cash aid corruption.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Thursday, December 11, that they filed 11 set of complaints — both criminal and administrative — against local officials that include barangay chairpersons, kagawads (council members), treasurers, and other appointed officials.

There are 14 complainants, according to the DSWD chief.

The legal actions stemmed from a report submitted to Gatchalian, mentioning multiple complaints from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiaries from Iloilo City.

According to the DSWD, certain local officials “unlawfully” took P8,000 from beneficiaries during AICS distribution on November 11, leaving only P2,000 to the intended recipients.

“Kasi may mga ibang kaso talaga na worse, literal na hinarass ang mga benepisyaryo natin (There are cases much worse, literally, our beneficiaries were harassed). So hopefully, this sends a strong signal,” Gatchalian said.

“Supposedly, after the payout, when the beneficiaries went home, they forced the beneficiaries to get the percentage of their payout,” Gatchalian added.

Alleged offenses include violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA No. 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employee, and grave misconduct.

Since it’s a quasi-judicial body, the Ombudsman can decide and mete out penalties for the administrative complaints against the respondents. Administrative sanctions range from suspension to dismissal from service.

As to the criminal complaints (RA No. 3019, RA No. 6713), the Ombudsman will conduct investigation and then will later decide whether to charge the respondents before the courts. The courts will later decide on these cases, including the possible penalties if the accused are proven guilty. – Rappler.com