More complaints of anomalies in cash aid distribution

The Office of the Ombudsman has received at least 11 complaints against local officials over alleged anomalies in the distribution of cash aid to poor families during the lockdown. Ombudsman Samuel Martires said the agency would prioritize these complaints, but admitted that he has yet to order field investigations since the agency was still operating with a skeleton workforce. He said it was difficult to conduct face-to-face interviews especially in areas hard-hit by the new coronavirus disease. —Patricia Denise M. Chiu