CIDG receives 171 SAP-related complaints so far

FILE: Local officials and personnel of the Department of Social and Development (DSWD) observe proper distribution of emergency cash subsidies under the government’s Social Amelioration Program to qualified beneficiaries at the Gatid Elementary School in Santa Cruz, Laguna on Monday (May 04, 2020). (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has so far handled 171 cases on alleged anomalies in the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

In a statement Sunday, the CIDG said the cases were filed by 307 complainants against 405 probable suspects, which include barangay officials and private individuals.

Out of these cases, 87 are still under investigation, nine are ready for filing, 74 were already filed in courts and one was endorsed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The CIDG said the respondents are allegedly engaged either in manipulating the list of beneficiaries by including their relatives and unqualified recipients as beneficiaries, or by collecting and dividing the cash aid received by the complainants against their will for purposes of “sharing it” to other families.

“These subsidized aids, for many, ease their worries on where to get the money for their day-to-day needs. However, there are unscrupulous local government officials who took advantage of this program for their own benefit through their illegal schemes,” it said.

The CIDG filed cases for violations of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), in relation to RA 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act) in Regions 1, 5, 7 and 9.

In Region 1, a case for violation of Article 172 (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents) of the Revised Penal Code were filed on May 21 before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur against 10 respondents, including the chairperson of Barangay Sto. Domingo.

Meanwhile, three cases were filed on May 22 before the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Lingayen, Pangasinan and Provincial Prosecutor, Vigan City against the chairperson of Barangay San Isidro Norte in Binmaley town; a municipal councilor and the chairperson of Barangay Balogo, also in Binmaley town; and the chairperson of Barangay Nagsayaoan, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

Likewise, a case for grave coercion was filed against the said municipal councilor.

Also on May 22, two cases were filed before the Albay Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Legazpi City and Sorsogon Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, Sorsogon City against the chairperson of Barangay Cararayan in Tiwi town and four barangay officials and six others of Barangay Binisitahan Del Sur, Magallanes, Sorsogon.

On the same day in Region 7, a case was filed before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office in Cebu against the barangay chairperson, a social worker, and two others from Barangay Baring.

Another case was filed before the Tagbilaran City Prosecutor’s Office in Bohol against the chairperson, a village councilor, and two others from Barangay Taloto.

They are all facing a complaint for violation of Sec. 4, (c) of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

In Region 9, two cases were filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur and the Zamboanga City Prosecutor’s Office against three officials of Barangay Talanusa in Margosatubig, Zamboanga Del Sur and three social workers and the chairperson of Barangay Canelar in Zamboanga City.