Iloilo city: Top officials in Iloilo City have taken cognizance of reports that some officials of Barangay Quintin Salas in Jaro, Iloilo City allegedly took portions of the cash assistance distributed to residents under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Raisa Tre±as, said the local chief executive has requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas to “temporarily stop” the distribution of AICS while the investigation is ongoing.
According to Philippines News Agency, the city government and the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) – Jaro are closely coordinating with the DSWD to fast-track the investigation. Fantilaga-Gorzal noted that they have not received any official complaint from the barangays yet. In a separate statement, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda condemned the alleged act and said that she has coordinated with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the issue to be properly investigated and cases to be filed.
Baronda expressed her anticipation for Secretary Gatchalian’s response and commitment to ensuring accountability through legal actions against those responsible. She further urged the DSWD to review the process to prevent abuse or political misuse of the distribution system. Moreover, the solon called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government to investigate the incident and assist victims in filing formal complaints.
Some beneficiaries in Barangay Quintin Salas have alleged that certain barangay officials and tanod (watchmen) deducted PHP8,000 from the PHP10,000 aid given through the AICS, leaving them with only PHP2,000 each. Residents of Barangay Lanit, also in Jaro, raised similar complaints, claiming that barangay personnel visited homes to collect portions of the AICS financial aid distributed by the DSWD. Beneficiaries reported feeling compelled to surrender part of their cash assistance when approached by barangay officials and questioned the destination of the collected funds.
