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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Ayuda scam' probe: DSWD conducts review of cash aid payout criteria

'Ayuda scam' probe: DSWD conducts review of cash aid payout criteria

Published Jan 29, 2024 02:43 am

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday, Jan. 29 said an “extensive” examination of the regulations for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program implementation is underway in light of the alleged “ayuda scam.”

Gatchalian issued the statement in response to the Senate’s investigation into the alleged scam that has victimized individuals in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

“This (review) will be done with the intention of discouraging persons who may take advantage of the DSWD’s AICS beneficiaries,” he said.

He vowed that the agency will also look into reports that the AICS program was being used for political purposes.

AICS is one of the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance.

Gatchalian found it alarming that multiple witnesses from specific provinces claimed during a Senate hearing that some of the AICS they obtained from the staff members of the DSWD’s regional field office were being manipulated by individuals they had personally identified.

“We welcome the initial findings of the committee of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa and the DSWD leadership vows to look into the leads that came out during the January 23 Senate hearing,” he said.

“We assure our senators and congressmen that the DSWD will take appropriate and legal actions if and when we have found out that there are guilty personnel in the agency,” he added.

The DSWD will also be conducting a massive information campaign in all payout areas, besides revising its payout criteria, said DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications and spokesperson Romel Lopez.

“The purpose of this campaign is to educate the beneficiaries that the payout grants belong solely to them, and that no one is permitted to take a cut or get a percentage after the payout has been made,” he said.

Gatchalian maintained that the department does not tolerate wrongdoings, especially in dispensing cash assistance to the poor and vulnerable sectors, who are most in need of social protection

He has directed the DSWD personnel to strengthen the agency’s grievance mechanism in order to report instances of fraud or even intimidation of its beneficiaries and personnel in the field offices.

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Secretary Rex Gatchalian DSWD ayuda
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