Iloilo: An investigation is ongoing on the reported “cut” in the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) released to calamity-affected residents of Iloilo City. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma, in a press conference on Friday, said he was tasked by Secretary Rex Gatchalian to lead the fact-finding investigation that began on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, they have started interviewing some of the complainants and have a team at the regional office ready to assist more complainants. Based on the information they received, the alleged cuts range from PHP8,000 to PHP9,000. “Here in Iloilo City, this is the first time that we created a fact-finding investigation to determine its veracity and to really file cases. Secretary Gatchalian would like to have this investigated thoroughly because his goal is to file a case against people who perpetrate this,” Ledesma said.
The Secretary feels that the beneficiaries are already individuals in crisis situations, hence the assistance. But unfortunately, they were victimized again. Ledesma disclosed that Gatchalian informed him Thursday night that he would like to file the case himself. “That’s very rare for a Cabinet secretary to do that. But I share his sentiment,” Ledesma said.
DSWD data showed that 16 barangays in Jaro and Arevalo Districts were the subject of the off-site payout intended for 2,161 beneficiaries. Complaints were received from eight barangays, with a “considerable” number of complainants. The DSWD is encouraging other victims to come forward and file complaints against the perpetrators. “For us to be able to conduct an investigation, we need statements that would really come from the actual beneficiaries who were victimized,” Ledesma said.
He said the special order creating the fact-finding team has a duration of 30 days, but assured that he would not wait for the period to end to file cases. Meanwhile, Ledesma said he will sit down with Gatchalian on Monday to recommend a temporary stop to all forms of payout until the issue is resolved and measures or policy changes are adopted so it won’t happen again. “I’m not sure if our recommendation, when approved by Secretary Rex, will completely solve it, but I’m sure in some way, it will minimize it,” he said.