FILE PHOTO: Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday warned local government units (LGUs) against “unscrupulous” individuals offering to help them access the P13-billion development fund in exchange for favors, commissions, or fees.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año issued the warning after receiving reports from regional and field offices about swindlers who claim to have access to the Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU).
He then advised LGUs not to transact with any fixer, scammer, or third-party entity but go directly to the Regional Offices of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in applying for the said fund.
“Let’s protect government funds. We are issuing a warning to the LGUs against third-party entities who are engaging in illegal transactions intending to access the LGSF-FALGU fund,” Año said.
“Makipag-ugnayan po tayo sa regional offices ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) lamang. Hindi po kailangan ng ‘fixer’ o third party entity para sa pagproseso ng pondong ito. Sundin lamang po ang panuntunan ng DBM,” he added.
(Please contact the regional offices of the Department of Budget and Management only. No ‘fixer’ or third party entity is required for processing this fund. Just follow the rules of DBM.)
According to Año, all applications should be submitted directly to the DBM as stated in Local Budget Circular (LBC) No. 131 or the guidelines on the release and utilization of the local government support fund-other financial assistance to LGUs.
The LGSF-FALGU fund is allocated to finance local development and infrastructure projects under the government’s economic stimulus program.
For 2021, a total of P13.586 billion was allotted to the LGSF-FALGU fund, with 319 LGUs granted access to P2.93 billion, accounting for 22 percent of the program fund for the year.
Año then directed all DILG regional directors (RDs) to monitor and submit to the DILG Central Office reports of illegal transactions together with the names of groups or individuals involved in these illegal acts.