DSWD: 194 cases filed over alleged SAP-related anomalies

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday reported that 194 cases have already been filed in connection with supposed anomalies in the national government’s social amelioration program (SAP).

DSWD Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag disclosed this information during the hybrid hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability. He cited records from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) as of July 3. DSWD refers to PNP-CIDG all cash-aid-related complaints it receives. PNP-CIDG investigates and files cases before appropriate venues.

Pamonag also said that so far a total of 295 cases “have been handled” by PNP-CIDG.

The DSWD official, however, did not further elaborate on the details of the alleged anomalies.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista explained that they are in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) with regard to reports of anomalies or irregularities involving local government officials.

“What we do is based on the arrangement is if there are anomalies or irregularities being done by LGU officials, what we do is submit it to the DILG and they are the one who conducts the investigations or give sanctions in case the alleged perpetrator is found to be positive,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, Bautista also said that as of July 6, a total of 1,319 local government units (LGUs) have completed their liquidation of the first tranche of cash aid distribution, amounting to P58.145 billion.

Bautista added that there are still 220 LGUs who are still completing their liquidation report, covering P9,373,823,950.

In the hearing, the DSWD officials were quizzed over the seemingly slow distribution of the second tranche of the emergency subsidy, which involves some 17 million families nationwide.

Pamonag said they are still waiting for the final list of beneficiaries.

“As long as the names of beneficiaries [are] completed, we could complete the distribution of emergency subsidy or even just for a period a week. And nakikita namin ngayon (as we see now), the list of beneficiaries is still at the ground level so we are just [waiting] for the final submissions,” Pamonag said.

“But with the use of digital payments, madali na po ito (this should be quick),” Pamonag added.

KGA