Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Evidence, not just mere complaints, is needed to be able to receive President Rodrigo Duterte’s P30,000 reward for those who will report local officials pocketing cash aid intended for the poor, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited the incident involving a Hagonoy, Bulacan barangay councilor who was reportedly caught on video while collecting half of the cash grants intended for distribution to poor families.
“Ang sagot ko po hindi sapat na magsabi o magparatang ng bintang. Kinakailangan po magbigay ng ebidensya gaya nung ebidensya na ginamit doon sa barangay councilor ng Hagonoy, Bulacan, meron siyang video recording nung pangyayari,” Roque said in an online press briefing.
(My answer is that it is not enough to report or accuse a person. There has to be evidence just like the video recording involving the barangay councilor of Hagonoy, Bulacan.)
Roque said the criminal charges should be filed before the police or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), while administrative charges should be filed before the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“Hindi po sapat na nagsusumbong lamang. Kinakailangan magsumite po ng ebidensya dahil ang pabuya po ay doon sa mapapatunayang tama po ang paratang. Hindi lang po magpaparatang, kinakailangan patunayan,” Roque noted.
(It’s not enough to simply report the incident. There has to be evidence because the reward will only be given to those who can prove their accusation. Don’t just accuse, you have to prove it.)
The President earlier offered a P30,000 reward for anyone who can give verified information on local government officials pocketing cash aid from the social amelioration program.
Roque assured protection to the identity of those will report local officials and said they will be included under the witness protection program.
“Wag po kayong mag-alala about your identity. As much as possible, we will protect your identity and if need be, kung talagang kakasuhan yung tao, makakapasok kayo sa witness protection program ng gobyerno,” he said.
(Don’t worry about your identity. As much as possible, we will protect your identity and if need be, if the person will be charged, you will be placed under the government’s witness protection program.)