Año warns LGUs from collecting fees for passes, food stubs

March 22, 2020

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday warned local executives and barangay officials that they will be penalized if found charging fees for passes and food stubs during the enhanced community quarantine.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said local government units (LGUs) and barangay officials will be punished for taking advantage of the quarantine and raising funds for personal gain.

Año said those who will be found involved in these illegal acts will be "certainly be suspended or placed behind bars as their despicable act in a time of a public health emergency is unbecoming of a government official and goes against the tenets of public service."

"Be embarrassed for yourselves. I will make sure that those who abuse and deceive the people during crisis like this will be arrested. You are expected to help your people, not cause them more sufferings," he added.

DILG said it has received reports of some barangay officials who are allegedly charging for quarantine passes and food stubs from their constituents.

Other reports said cargoes and food deliveries were stopped in barangay checkpoints and were barred from entering the area without passes issued by the barangay office.

According to Año, barangay officials are in no position to halt deliveries of cargo, food, and other essential supplies in any part of the country.

He advised barangay officials to seek additional funds from mayors or governors instead of soliciting money from the public.

"We will impose the law. We won't spare mayors or barangay captains. As long as there is proof that there was fault in the proper due process, you will be held liable," he stressed. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS