42 barangay officials facing criminal charges over SAP anomalies

May 21, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday said 42 barangay officials are now facing criminal charges for Social Amelioration Program (SAP) anomalies.

Año said this is an increase of almost 80 percent from the previous 23 officials who were earlier criminally charged.

He said the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed the charges.

“We are serious. The judgement for corrupt barangay officials are near. The PNP will not stop until all will be held liable,” he said.

The secretary said “splitting” is among the top complaints leveled against erring barangay officials who reportedly divide the SAP cash aid of one family allegedly to benefit other families.

“The rule and policy of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) on SAP cash aid is for families who are listed as SAP beneficiary.  It is enough for them and splitting is strictly not allowed,” Año said.

Citing the example of barangay captain Gary Remoquillo in San Pedro City, Laguna who supposedly split  the SAP cash incentives among residents, a practice which was allegedly done following the procedures of nearby homeowners associations in the area.

A similar incident was also reported in Brgy. Batang, Irosin, Sorsogon where punong barangay Omar Guban, Junel Guban, and barangay health worker Girlie Prejas reportedly asked the SAP beneficiary to return P2,000 from the P5,000 cash assistance so this may allegedly be given to those not included in the list of SAP beneficiaries.

In Manito, Albay, barangay councilor Ma. Dely Ala allegedly deprived the complainants half of the amount of their SAP cash assistance allegedly to benefit those who were not included in the master list of beneficiaries.

Barangay officials in Brgy. Nati, Maasin, So. Leyte; Brgy. Jordan, Villaba, Leyte; Barangay Luzong, Manabo, Abra; Brgy,Mariblo, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City; Brgy. Old Balara, Quezon City are also in a similar sticky situation because of alleged “splitting” of SAP cash assistance.

Getting a cut from the SAP financial aid of beneficiaries also emerged as a top complaint against some barangay officials.

“At this time of crisis, these barangay officials even think of getting commission from SAP beneficiaries. That is corruption at its finest. We will not let this go,” said Año.

A barangay official in Olongapo City, Marcialo Mendoza,is detained for reportedly asking P3,000 from a SAP beneficiary so this may allegedly be given to barangay officials.

Meanwhile, barangay captain Ramon Jardin, brgy. secretary Stephen Jalandon, purok president Corazon Latoza, and liaison officer Rose Jean Estador of Brgy. Feliza, Bacolod City allegedly took back P4,000 from the P6,000 financial aid received by the SAP beneficiaries.

Punong barangay Rey Cabian and officials of Quimloong, Bucay, Abra are also facing criminal charges for alleged conspiracy in illegally collecting their “share” of cash assistance from the SAP beneficiaries.

Suspect Ivor John Laug-laug Casinas of Bansalan, Davao del Sur was arrested during an entrapment operation after he was caught accepting P1,000 marked money from a SAP beneficiary. The suspect has been allegedly soliciting money from qualified SAP recipients.

DILG also reminded the local officials that nepotism is also a big no-no in the distribution of SAP financial aid after a barangay chairman in Tondo allegedly identifed  beneficiaries who are his close friends and relatives.

A barangay secretary and a barangay treasurer in Tallungan, Aparri, Cagayan are also facing charges for allegedly including themselves among the SAP beneficiaries when they are disqualified  since they are local government officials.

The PNP-CIDG has processed complaints from a total of 374 complainants against some 155 suspects from April 1 to May 19, 2020.

Majority of these suspects are barangay chairpersons and their associates.

There are also numerous complaints received against barangay councilors, barangay secretary or treasurer, municipal councilor, barangay health workers, purok leaders/homeowners association presidents, liaison officer, DSWD social worker, SK chairman, and day care Teacher.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act were filed by the PNP-CIDG against these barangay officials.  Ella Dionisio/DMS