The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has tapped the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to break up fraudulent solicitation schemes.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said on Wednesday, Sept. 21, that the DBM notified the DILG and NBI about the reported fraudulent solicitation schemes involving unscrupulous individuals claiming to be personnel of the agency.
In a letter sent to Interior Secretary Benjamin A. Abalos, Pangandaman requested the assistance of the DILG, specifically in cautioning local government units (LGUs) through their respective local chief executives (LCE) against fraudulent individuals or organized groups.
These scammers would draft documents and would ask local chief executives to sign their fake requests, identify contractors, and ask for money in exchange for the supposed expedited release of funds for certain programs and projects.
The budget chief requested the help of the DILG to inform the public against dealing with individuals representing to be officials or personnel of the DBM, as well as those acting as middlemen.
According to the DBM, the fraudulent shames involve earning or soliciting money for the false guarantee of expedited release of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Financial Assistance (FA) under the General Appropriations Act.
Pangandaman likewise sought the help of the NBI to track down these fraudsters, conduct an investigation, and hold them accountable for their criminal activities.
She likewise assured the NBI of the agency’s full cooperation, including providing leads relative to the nefarious scheme.
Meanwhile, Pangandaman reminded the public to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent transactions and assured to continue protecting the public interest and the country’s coffers.
“We reiterated our call to the public to only transact with the official channels of the DBM. Rest assured that the DBM will exert all efforts and employ the fullest extent of the law to identify, apprehend, and file charges against these deceitful individuals," Pangandaman said.
Last Sept. 12, the DBM released an advisory it received reports that there were individuals claiming to be officials or personnel of the department and acting as middlemen.
The DBM urged the public to report similar undertakings, by calling at (02) 735-4847. “Rest assured that your identity will be kept confidential.”