By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY - Criminal charges in relation to alleged irregularities in the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) were filed on Tuesday, June 16, against 21 persons, including a chairman and a councilman of Barangay Alangilan here.
Chief Master Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) - Bacolod, alleged that Barangay Chairman Degie Tanista Sr., Kagawad Michael Solano, a barangay secretary, five barangay staffs, and 13 surveyors were charged for violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft Corrupt Practices Act, RA 11469 or the Bayanihan Act to Heal, and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges stemmed from the complaints of seven residents in the village, who were classified among the poorest of the poor families affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, but failed to receive the SAP allowance, Gocotano said.
He said that the complainants alleged that some of the SAP recipients were believed to be the relatives, family members, and political affiliates of the respondents, while other beneficiaries were alleged to be not qualified to receive the cash aid because they were not poor, or they were not residents of the village.
Based on the complaint, the complainants alleged that four of the surveyors were relatives and family members of the village chief and barangay secretary.
It was also stated in the complaint that Tanista, as barangay chairperson, allegedly signed and approved the list of names of the SAP beneficiaries prepared by the appointed barangay officials and employees that was submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the respondents allegedly refused to accept the appeal and petition of the complainants to include them in the SAP distribution, as stated in the complaint.
Also, the complainants alleged that Solano was behind the selection process of SAP beneficiaries on April 23, being one of the committee members of the screening body and head of the SAP distribution.
The CIDG, in its investigation, found that the respondents did not properly screen the qualified beneficiaries, and instead prioritized those who were beneficial to their personal interest that resulted in the leaving out of most qualified beneficiaries.
Both barangay officials have yet to comment on the accusations hurled against them.