ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing to file criminal and administrative complaints on December 10 against at least 13 barangay officials in this city over alleged manipulation and misuse of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program — marking what could be one of the most extensive crackdowns on alleged barangay-level aid irregularities in recent years.
DSWD assistant secretary for regional operations Paul Ledesma confirmed that the impending cases involve barangay captains, kagawads, and secretaries from six to seven villages, with the number of respondents expected to grow as the investigation continues.
“We are ready to file the cases by December 10 based on the sworn statements and documents submitted by the complainants,” Ledesma said.
Calling the allegations “serious,” Ledesma said reports pointed to beneficiaries being removed from lists, denied assistance, or allegedly asked for favors in exchange for financial aid meant for individuals in crisis.
“These allegations are serious because they involve the manipulation of aid intended for people in crisis. Our responsibility is to ensure that social protection programs remain fair, transparent, and accessible to those who truly need them,” he stressed.
Ledesma said the department will act decisively once sufficient evidence is established.
“We will not hesitate to file charges if the evidence warrants it,” he added. “Our evaluation is ongoing, and it’s possible that the number of officials involved may still change as more information surfaces.”
He emphasized that the complaints were not initiated by the DSWD but by the affected residents themselves, whose sworn statements became the basis of the agency’s action.
“These complaints came from the people themselves,” he said. “Our job is to listen, investigate, and act accordingly.”
Names of the barangay officials have not yet been released pending the formal filing of complaints before the appropriate bodies.
The anticipated filing marks a significant move by the DSWD to reinforce accountability in crisis-aid distribution as demand for AICS assistance continues to surge across the region./PN
