The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday filed a complaint against 14 barangay officials from 16 barangays for allegedly forcing beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to surrender a large portion of their financial aid.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the department received consistent reports from 14 beneficiaries, all claiming that out of the P10,000 intended for medical or burial assistance, P8,000 to P9,000 was taken from them by local officials.

“We have 14 complainants. And their story is the same. Of the P10,000 that were given to their financial assistance, P8,000 to P9,000 pesos were taken,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

“The stories are very consistent. The stories and the individuals, they don't know each other because they came from 16 barangays. And their stories are the same,” he added.

The respondents include barangay captains, kagawads, treasurers, and appointed officials who are now facing complaints for alleged grave misconduct, graft and corruption, and abuse of authority.

The DSWD is also asking the Office of the Ombudsman to consider preventive suspension and additional penalties, if warranted. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano explained that preventive suspension may last from one to six months depending on the evaluation.

“Note that preventive suspension is not a penalty that is not meted out for the behavior but preventive suspension is just a remedy in order to prevent any interference in the investigation,” AO Clavano explained.

According to the DSWD, the reported payout anomalies occurred on November 7, 11, and 12. Secretary Gatchalian said the practice reportedly dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, but victims only filed complaints now because officials allegedly began taking a larger share of the aid.

“In their story, it has been happening for a long time. They told them during COVID time. But now, there is a massive complaint. Because before, they were given a small percentage of the 10,000, most of it was left to them. But now, it has been reversed. They were forced to get a larger percentage,” the DSWD Secretary said.

Gatchalian emphasized that DSWD ensures payout areas are secured and monitored by social workers to prevent corruption, but noted that the anomalies reportedly took place after the official payouts ended.

“The measures inside the payout are quite secure. We have tarps that warn people that no one will transact no matter who. The money is for you. Second, it's repeated on the board. They're saying how much you'll receive so they know. It's repeated,” he explained.

The DSWD is coordinating with local government units and is encouraging other beneficiaries with similar grievances to report them to the agency to prevent more cases of abuse.

“I hope that what is happening today sends a very clear message, that wherever you are, there are no secrets that will not be revealed,” Sec. Gatchalian said.

The victims will undergo reevaluation by DSWD social workers to ensure they receive the proper financial assistance due to them.