ILOILO – Criminal charges were filed against two personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Dumangas town over the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) emergency cash assistance.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) charged Svenina Billones and Jande Arroyo with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Gervacio Balmaceda, CIDG Region 6 director, said the charges were lodged at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Iloilo Hall of Justice.
They were prompted to do so, according to Balmaceda, by five complainants from different barangays in Dumangas.
These complainants claimed they were able to receive SAP in April but were told afterwards to return the cash assistance because they were found out not qualified for it.
When they returned the money, however, they were not issued receipts, said Balmaceda, citing the assertion of the five complainants.
CIDG conducted an investigation and, “We saw there was discrepancy,” said Balmaceda.
The two DSWD personnel also face an administrative charge – violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, added Balmaceda.
Billones and Arroyo could not be reached for comment as of press time.
The CIDG in Region 6 has so far hauled to court 163 barangay officials and DSWD personnel over alleged SAP anomalies./PN