Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Rex Gatchalian during a hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday vowed to investigate the supposed “ayuda” scheme that is allegedly victimizing beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
In a Senate hearing on January 23, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said that he had received reports indicating that some individuals were taking portions of the cash assistance that should be given in full to AICS beneficiaries.
READ: DSWD refutes allegations on people’s initiative utilizing AICS program
“We welcome the initial findings of the committee of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa, and the DSWD leadership vows to look into the leads that came out during the January 23 Senate hearing,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said, as quoted in DSWD’s statement.
He further emphasized that the department will take “appropriate and legal actions” against any personnel found guilty within the agency.
“This will be done with the intention of discouraging persons who may take advantage of the DSWD’s AICS beneficiaries,” Gatchalian added.
In the same statement, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said that the DSWD will conduct a “massive information campaign in all payout areas” to ensure that beneficiaries know that the cash assistance as part of the AICS belongs solely to them.
In a previous interview with INQUIRER.net, DSWD co-spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that the department is “strengthening its coordination with law enforcement agencies,” about the probe on the “ayuda” scam.
READ: DSWD to act on reported aid payout irregularities in Mindanao
During the Senate hearing, it was revealed that over 60 beneficiaries in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte had part of their cash aid taken from them.