The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday warned corrupt officials and their cohorts will suffer the consequences for their alleged involvement in anomalous use and distribution of cash aid under the social amelioration program (SAP).
DILG Undersecretary Bernardo Florece said it is unthinkable and very frustrating for people to steal the cash aid meant for the poorest among the poor in the midst of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In an interview over Teleradyo, Florese noted the corrupt officials are unlawfully raking in money possibly in preparation for the next election.
On August 24, the DILG filed administrative cases against 437 people over alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash aid.
Florese said the cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman included a plea for the immediate suspension from duty of the respondents who allegedly pocketed funds or gave aid to unauthorized or ghost beneficiaries.
“Among those charged were 203 elected officials, including a town mayor, councilors, village chairmen, and youth council leaders. Some treasurers, secretaries, social welfare and health officers, and daycare teachers allegedly involved in corruption also face cases,’’ Florese said.
Florese expected more charges to be filed as the police is currently investigating 626 more individuals allegedly involved in SAP-related anomalies.