Headline
CIDG to probe irregularities in SAP distribution
The directive came as Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Eduardo Año told Gamboa to look into reported cases of erring local executives in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and DILG, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a press statement.
(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa on Tuesday ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to probe reported anomalies on the distribution of cash aid from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
The directive came as Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Eduardo Año told Gamboa to look into reported cases of erring local executives in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and DILG, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a press statement.
Banac said the PNP will field investigating teams who will gather evidence against local executives for alleged graft and corruption in the distribution of government cash aid for the poor.
“CIDG probers will closely examine disbursement records, receipts, and other paper trail evidence, as well as sworn statements of fund recipients to uncover alleged irregularities,” Banac said.
Meanwhile, DILG spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya urged the public to report any violation in the distribution by their local officials.
“Pumunta lang po kayo sa pinakamalapit na police station [Just go to the nearest police station],” Malaya said in a radio interview.
Over the weekend, authorities arrested Danilo Flores, Barangay San Agustin councilor in Hagonoy, Bulacan for distributing deducted SAP aid among families in Hagonoy, Bulacan which was caught on video.
“I have heard of this also in other provinces across the country,” Malaya said.
Malaya said the SAP aid cannot be divided into more than two families or could not be shared by low-income families.
“Kasi the moment na hatiin mo yan, that becomes a conspiracy, that becomes a graft and corrupt case [Because the moment you divided the SAP, that becomes a conspiracy, that becomes a graft and corrupt case],” Malaya said.
Local government units (LGUs) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DSWD in the distribution of SAP without such act allowed.
Malaya said that such sharing of SAP is considered a graft and corruption case.
Local officials committing such act are liable for violation of the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act.
