50 barangay captains to face preventive suspension over alleged irregularities in SAP distribution – Año

August 11, 2020

At least 50 barangay captains will face preventive suspension for alleged corruption in relation to the distribution of cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program, Department of Interior and Local Government Eduardo Año said on Monday night.

In a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City, Año said that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has recorded 155 criminal complaints against barangay captains.

"And I am coordinating with Ombudsman (Samuel) Martires and his office and we have submitted these cases, and within the week, we expect that initially 50 barangay captains will have preventive suspension while the Ombudsman is investigating the administrative aspect of their cases," he said.

He said the barangay captains will face malversation, estafa and other graft-related cases in relation to the alleged anomalies in the distribution of SAP.

Those who will initially be given preventive suspension are 13 barangay captains from the National Capital Region; 13 in Region 1; 10 in Region 2; three in Region 3; and 11 in Region IV-A.

As investigation continues, more barangay captains will face complaints before the Ombudsman and will face preventive suspension, Año said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development had sought the help of the barangay captains in the distribution of cash assistance to over 18 million low income households and vulnerable sectors when most parts of the country were placed under a lockdown. Celerina Monte/DMS