The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate and arrest the Local Government Units (LGUs) involved in irregularities in the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) aid.
According to the PNP, they are prepared to take action on complaints of anomalies in the SAP distribution.
“Ang PNP ay nagbibigay ng paalala sa lahat ng local officials lalo na sa mga barangay na anumang sumbong o reklamo na maaring idulog sa atin sa PNP ay kaagad na iimbestigahan ng PNP. At kung may sapat na ebidensiya tayo ay magsasampa ng kaso sa piskalya. (The PNP reminds all local officials especially in barangays that any complaint received by the PNP will be investigated immediately and if there is enough evidence, we will file a case with the fiscal office.)” PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Bernard Banac has warned.
Hagonoy, Bulacan Barangay Kagawad Danilo Flores was arrested Saturday by the Bulacan Police Provincial Office for giving only half of the PhP 6, 500 cash assistance under the SAP.
Flores claimed that the other half will go to Mayor Raulito Manlapaz and will be given to residents who have not yet received any aid. This was denied by the mayor.
Meanwhile, the DILG has appreciated President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of PhP 30,000-reward for anyone who can give verified information on irregularities in the distribution of the SAP aid.
DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said they have received 2, 000 complaints and majority of them are about the SAP aid distribution. – Report from Patrick de Jesus
