The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing to file charges against Iloilo City barangay officials accused of pocketing a large portion of the cash assistance intended for crisis-hit residents.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma said Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally ordered him to initiate legal action against any official proven to have violated the rules of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The controversy emerged after multiple beneficiaries reported that they received only P2,000 out of the P10,000 AICS payout.
According to complaints submitted to DSWD, the remaining P8,000 was allegedly taken back by certain barangay officials shortly after the release of funds.
These accounts surfaced over the past weeks, prompting civil society groups and concerned residents to call for immediate intervention from national authorities.
Ongoing investigation
The DSWD has launched a 30-day fact-finding probe to verify the complaints, gather sworn statements, and examine payout procedures.
Ledesma said their legal team is now evaluating the evidence to determine the extent of the alleged scheme and identify those directly involved.
He expressed dismay over the reported abuse, stressing that those who suffered losses were individuals already struggling to recover from recent crises.
“Pinakamasakit dito, mga biktima na nga ng problema, pinagkakakitaan pa,” Ledesma said.
The DSWD said it will pursue administrative and criminal charges against any official who exploited beneficiaries or diverted public funds intended for emergency relief.
If you want, I can also add reactions from local officials, a timeline of events, or a sidebar explainer on how AICS payouts are supposed to work.IMT
