Año orders PNP to investigate officials who commit anomalies in giving SAP

May 5, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately investigate local government officials who will be reported committing anomalies in distributing the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Año made the order following the arrest and detention of a barangay kagawad from Hagonoy, Bulacan who allegedly pocketed more than half of the cash aid intended for his constituents.

“I am directing PNP units all over the country and also requesting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prioritize the investigation of graft and corruption cases against local officials on SAP distribution,” he said.

“Greedy and corrupt officials should have no place in the government. They are carriers of a malignant virus that destroys the trust the people gave to them,” he added.

Año said those who are not giving the correct financial assistance should be probed and arrested.

Año said the alleged illegal acts of Barangay Kagawad Danilo Flores, 66, of Barangay San Agustin in Hagonoy, Bulacan is “disgraceful and downright shameful” as public officials should be  helping poor families, especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

Flores was caught on a  video that went viral telling SAP financial aid recipients they would only get P3,000 of the cash aid and that the remaining P3,500 would be given to the town mayor for distribution to non-SAP beneficiaries.

Hagonoy Mayor Raulito Manlapaz denied Flores’ claims and denied any involvement.

The video prompted Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel to seek police assistance.

Flores was arrested last Saturday night for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Bayanihan Act.

Año warned that similar incidents will not be tolerated and sanctions will be given to corrupt local officials. He assured those accused of due process but emphasized that the law will be imposed especially during this time of crisis.

“It is an injustice to the beneficiaries and an unjust enrichment of corrupt officials,” he said.

Año also directed the DILG regional directors to form their respective provincial investigating teams to look into and pursue administrative cases against corrupt local officials that may lead to their suspension and dismissal from public office.

These teams will be submitting to the DILG Central Office their regular reports.

“The public are looking at the action of the local government. Turn this challenge to an opportunity for you to show your compassion and the reason you ran for public office in the first place,” he said.

Last Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte  offered a P30,000 reward to any person who will give information that will lead to the arrest of these corrupt local officials. Ella Dionisio/DMS