17 Iloilo village execs tagged in aid cut

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Up to 17 barangay officials from six villages in this city have reportedly been slashing the financial aid granted to beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the government.

A fact-finding team formed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were able to identify these officials through testimonies and affidavits signed by at least 11 complainants.

Paul Ledesma, DSWD Assistant Secretary for regional operations and head of the fact-finding team, said among those involved in the scheme are barangay chairmen, kagawads, secretaries and treasurers.

Ledesma withheld the identities of the officials and their barangays pending the filing of charges of coercion and theft by deceit.

He said the DSWD is planning to file the charges on or before Dec. 10.

Ledesma said that charges to be filed against the officials may vary, depending on their participation in the scheme.

The DSWD said the officials conspired to reduce the financial aid of the beneficiaries.

The agency said the officials pocketed the money intended for people and families facing crises.

Ledesma said the shaving of the AICS grant by the officials was pre-planned, systematic and well orchestrated.

Investigation showed the illegal practice is reportedly being done in barangays in Jaro and Arevalo districts.

The complainants said that after receiving P10,000 in financial assistance from  members of the DSWD, some barangay officials would approach them and demand that they give them P8,000 or P9,000, leaving them with only P2,000 or P1,000.