ILOILO City – What began as a single complaint in Jaro district has erupted into a citywide alarm.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is investigating complaints that certain barangay officials allegedly pocketed up to P8,000 from the P10,000 Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) cash aid meant for disaster-hit families.
DSWD’s Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao minced no words, condemning what she described as a direct assault on the poor.
“The Department strongly condemns this kind of act which directly deprives beneficiaries of the full assistance intended for them. Ang ayuda para sa mga nangangailangan ay dapat buo nilang makukuha at hindi pwedeng bawiin o bawasan,” she said.
The flashpoint is Barangay Quintin Salas in Jaro, where some residents claimed they received only P2,000 after certain barangay officials and tanods allegedly took P8,000 during the November 11 payout. Some residents also reported home visits where they were asked to surrender portions of their assistance.
A shaken beneficiary recalled in Hiligaynon, “We had no choice but to surrender part of our cash assistance when they approached us. We are left wondering where the collected funds will go and why we are being asked to give up what we desperately need.”
But the issue is bigger than one barangay.
DSWD Region 6 confirmed it has received reports from at least 10 barangays — Sta. Felomina, San Pedro, M.H. del Pilar, San Isidro, Camalig, Tacas, Quezon, Desamparados, San Juan, and Punong — prompting immediate verification and coordination with law enforcers.
“We will not tolerate any form of exploitation against beneficiaries who are already in difficult situations,” Dumlao added.
To safeguard the integrity of the program, Dumlao said a full investigation is underway.
“We will immediately conduct an investigation to verify these reports and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law,” she said.
The Iloilo City Government also stepped in. At the request of Mayor Raisa Treñas, AICS payouts in the city have been temporarily suspended while complaints are reviewed.
“The city is grateful that assistance is being provided to those in need, but it is essential that the program is carried out in a fair manner so that all beneficiaries receive the proper aid without favoritism,” the city government said in a statement.
DSWD urged beneficiaries to report any attempt to solicit, deduct, or “cut” their cash assistance — stressing that no official is allowed to take even a peso from aid meant for crisis-affected families./PN
