The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the local government units (LGUs) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to be wary of groups promising to fast-track the release of funds for their infrastructure projects.

The appeal was made after reports reached the DILG-CAR of individuals to have access and influence in the release of the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) and other national government funding in exchange of fees.

"We are warning our local governments to avoid getting involved with these groups or giving monetary considerations to them and to be cautious and vigilant of these schemes," DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose said.

San Jose explained that local roads, bridges, public markets, slaughterhouses, multi-purpose buildings/halls, multi-purpose pavements, drainage canals, sea wall/river wall, water system projects including level 1 stand-alone water points, evacuation centers, public parks, fish ports, and post-harvest facilities are among the infrastructure and other projects covered by LGSF-FALGU.

The DILG-CAR issued the warning after reports disclosed that unscrupulous individuals had offered to facilitate the release of LGSF-FALGU in exchange for between five to 15 percent cut to the municipal mayors of Ifugao and Mountain Province.

Some of these individuals are also demanding that they should be the ones contracted by the LGUs to implement the projects under LGSF-FALGU.

San Jose stressed that only project proposals submitted by the LGUs directly to DILG through channels are reviewed and endorsed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funding.

She noted that the LGSF-FALGU is released directly to the LGUs without a need for anybody to follow it up, influence and expedite the release of said funds.

The DILG-CAR chief also reminded the recipient LGUs to comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act and be diligent in screening contractors who will implement the projects.

“Our DILG Field Offices are also enjoined in issuing the necessary guidance and advisories to help LGUs avoid transacting with these individuals/groups and our City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) are directed to coordinate with the LGUs to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to enjoin the LGUs to report such individuals and groups to the appropriate authorities," she added.

Earlier, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman issued an advisory stating that the department condemns such fraudulent claims and activities, and vows to coordinate with proper authorities to investigate and determine swiftly those who are involved in this scam.

“We have alerted and have been seriously coordinating with pertinent authorities in conducting thorough investigation into these illegal activities and shall exert all efforts, within the fullest extent of the law, to identify, apprehend and file the appropriate charges against these deceitful individuals and groups,” Pangandaman said.