Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) warned the public against persons purportedly posing as officials or employees of the agency to solicit money or other financial favors. The DBM stated that no one is authorized to ask for money, goods, or favors in exchange for expediting transactions or requests for funds.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM emphasized that it does not authorize any individual or group to solicit money, goods, or favors for facilitating any transactions. An advisory issued by the DBM on Thursday reiterated, ‘Nais naming bigyang-diin na hindi kami kailanman magbibigay ng otoridad sa kahit sinong indibidwal o grupo para humingi ng pera, goods o pabor kapalit ng pagpapadali ng mga transaksyon (We would like to emphasize that we will never give authority to any individual or group to ask for money, goods, or favors in exchange for facilitating transactions).’

The DBM further stated, ‘Hindi po namin, sa kahit anong paraan, pahihintulutan ang anumang maling representasyon dahil ito ay malinaw na paglabas sa batas (We will not, in any way, tolerate any misrepresentation as this is a clear departure from the law).’ The department encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Complaints can be directed to the DBM’s Community Relations Office via phone at 8657-3300, extension 2524, or through e-mail at [email protected]. The DBM assured that all reports would be kept confidential.

In March of the previous year, eight individuals pretending to be DBM officials and employees were apprehended during an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City. The suspects had promised a project contractor access to PHP1.3 billion worth of government projects, assuring that the projects would be awarded to the contractor’s firm in exchange for ‘grease money.’