ILOILO City – Alarmed by recent complaints that some barangay officials allegedly took ₱8,000 from beneficiaries who received ₱10,000 in financial aid, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 is pushing for a full digital payout system to eliminate “cutting,” coercion, and other forms of interference in cash assistance distribution.
“Kinahanglan ma-push gid naton ang digital payout… amo gid na ang ultimate goal ni Secretary (Rex Gatchalian) para direct na sia (financial aid) sa beneficiaries,” said DSWD-6 officer-in-charge regional director Joselito Estember during a media forum on Friday, Nov. 28.
The digital shift, however, is still being finalized.
As an immediate safeguard, Estember said a hybrid payout system — combining direct bank processing with accredited conduits — will be rolled out early next year to curb attempts by individuals, politicians, or barangay leaders to take a cut from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) grants.
Hybrid payout via LBP, Western Union
Estember confirmed that the Land Bank of the Philippines has already partnered with accredited conduits for hybrid payouts, with Western Union tapped for Iloilo City and the rest of Panay Island.
“Sa hybrid payout, LBP-accredited conduit na ang ma-conduct sang some of our financial assistance offsite payout… amo ini ang pinakasigurado nga tool para at least malikawan ang ining mga incident sang pag-cutting ukon pagpabuhin ukon pamahug sa aton mga beneficiaries,” he added.
Security protocols in place — but only up to the payout site
Estember emphasized that AICS has standard safety protocols even during offsite distribution in municipal gyms or centers. DSWD personnel lead the distribution and conduct verification, validation, and coordination with law enforcement.
However, he admitted the agency cannot escort beneficiaries all the way home to prevent barangay officials or other individuals from ambushing them on the road — an incident reportedly experienced by recipients in Iloilo City.
“Indi gid nila mahimu nga mabantayan… asta nga safe nga makapauli sa ila balay,” Estember said.
In far-flung areas, however, the DSWD coordinates with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for security presence.
DSWD to beneficiaries: No one is allowed to take your money
To counter intimidation and unauthorized deductions, the DSWD is now intensifying its on-site briefings.
“During our payout, we intensify our advocacy… nga wala bisan sin-o nga tawo, politiko man ukon leaders sang barangay ninyo nga makakuha sang portion sang inyo grant.”
Plan to sell SLP products on payout sites
To further prevent post-distribution extortion, Estember said DSWD-6 is considering making Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) agricultural products available on payout sites — similar to the “Walang Gutom Program” — so beneficiaries can directly purchase their needs without bringing home large amounts of cash.
“Para at least pagpauli nila wala na sila sang makuha nga kwarta kay nabakal sang tawo sang dapat kinahanglanon nila. We look into that or our recommendation,” he said./PN