SBSI slammed for allegedly collecting from members’ DSWD benefits

SBSI leader Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario told the panel that Ilandag serves as the organization’s treasurer, but denied that he knows anything about the allegation. (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senators chided on Tuesday the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) on allegations that its leadership is collecting from cash benefits received by some of their members.

During the second public inquiry by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, panel chairperson Senator Ronald dela Rosa quoted an affidavit by a former SBSI member who recalled that after Typhoon Odette struck the country, they received PHP5,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

The affidavit noted, however, that “all recipients had to set aside PHP1,000. This rule applies to recipients of 4Ps [Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program] and senior citizens’ benefits as well. Portion of it had to be collected. During every release schedule, Agila forces, accompanied by a secretary named Flordeliz Ilandag had to be present to facilitate the easy collection from the beneficiaries.”

SBSI leader Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario told the panel that Ilandag serves as the organization’s treasurer, but denied that he knows anything about the allegation.

Socorro Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Chien Cen Dizon said almost 1,000 SBSI members benefit from various programs of DSWD.

“Simula pa noong 2019, nakapagbigay tayo ng (Since 2019, we have been giving) educational and health grants to the beneficiaries including their rice subsidies [PHP600 every month] at yan po ay naibigay natin sa 202 household members (and we were able to distribute to 202 household members),” Dizon said, adding that AICS worth PHP5,000 each was also distributed to Typhoon Odette affected residents.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros noted that if calculated, the deductions might reach millions of pesos in total after a year.

“Hindi po maliliit na halaga ang pinag-uusapan dito na entitled yung mga beneficiaries ng Kapihan pero kinakaltasan ng SBSI officers(We are not talking about small amount here being deducted by SBSI officers from entitled beneficiaries of Kapihan),” Hontiveros said.

DSWD told the committee that it is also currently looking into the allegation.