The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has so far received 8,000 complaints with regard to the distribution of “ayuda” or cash aid to beneficiaries.

During the Laging Handa virtual briefing, PACC Chairman Greco Belgica said it was “alarming” they have already received numerous complaints when the distribution of assistance has just started.
“We are summarizing the reports for the meeting that would be held with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) so this will be acted upon, investigated, and those involved will be charged if it’s true,” he said in Filipino.
“I hope those who are now listening to us will help each other. You know the barangays getting involved with this,” Belgica added.
The national government earmarked P1,000 for every beneficiary of the cash aid, or a maximum of P4,000 per household.
Complaints have gone viral on social media and television reports, however, wherein some beneficiaries said they have not received their cash aid. Some of them complained even the names of the dead are included in the barangay’s list.
President Duterte directed the DILG to ensure that there will be no corrupt practices in the cash aid or ‘ayuda’ distribution to beneficiaries in the National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus) bubble.
NCR Plus is composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, which are all under the moderate enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
The PACC is currently looking into the systems being used in the distribution of aid in these areas.
“A lot of it (involves) monitoring (that) has to be strengthened to prevent this,” Belgica said as he recalled his office had previously received 9,000 complaints over social amelioration program (SAP) irregularities.
He then warned local officials that they can be penalized if found involved in corrupt practices.
“You should not steal or take interest in that money intended for the people because they will be pitiful. They get only a little for them and their families. Let us give it to them,” he said.
“If you steal that and we will find out, we will make sure you’re answerable to (the) laws,” Belgica stressed.