CEBU CITY—Charges have been filed against at least 80 individuals in Region 7 for their alleged involvement in anomalous distribution of cash aid under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Central Visayas (CIDG 7) said among those who were charged were 23 barangay chairpersons, 13 barangay councilors, one Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, three barangay secretaries, four barangay health workers, eight “purok” leaders, four social workers and 26 civilians.
Police Maj. Ronald Alan Tolosa, deputy chief of CIDG 7, said, of the 23 barangay captains who were charged, three were from Cebu City, two from Mandaue City, two from Lapu-Lapu City and one from Talisay City.
Five barangay captains and two barangay councilors from Cebu province were also charged, Tolosa said.
Tolosa said the CIDG 7 started its investigation since the first tranche of distribution of SAP, the government’s program to help cushion the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tolosa said some civilians were also charged after accepting the cash aid even if they were not qualified.
Tolosa said the CIDG 7 had strong evidence against those involved in the anomaly.
“We have complainants, witnesses and we have documentary evidence,” said Tolosa.
The cases filed were for violations of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and RA 11469 or the Bayanihan Act.