QC offices told: Beware of fake NGOs

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has issued a memorandum directing all local government offices to be on guard against groups attempting to transact business with the city government by posing as legitimate organizations.

In a memorandum dated Sept. 23, he ordered all departments and offices to strictly enforce the requirements needed from non-government organizations (NGOs) in transacting with the local government.

“All concerned city government offices and departments to exercise extreme caution when transacting business and other dealing with (NGOs), people’s organizations and foundations,” read the memorandum.

It was issued amid the investigations on the P10-billion “pork” scam, which allegedly involved several fake NGOs used to “implement” projects funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund of legislators.

Among the documents required by the local government when transacting with NGOs, people’s organizations, and foundations include registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission, articles of incorporation, mayor’s permit, and certificate of registration.

Earlier, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said the funds allotted for “soft projects” of local legislators are implemented directly by the offices of the councilors and not by NGOs.

Belmonte told The STAR that the soft project funds – amounting to around P7 million to P40 million per councilor – will be realigned to the line offices under the executive department.