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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Benitez to probe financial aid commissions

Benitez to probe financial aid commissions

Published Dec 12, 2024 01:52 pm

Mayor Albee Benitez urged people in Bacolod City who have been asked to pay commissions from government financial assistance to file formal complaints.

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BENITEZ (Glazyl Masculino)

Benitez said that he has received reports about this issue and emphasized the need for official documentation to proceed with an investigation.

He encouraged victims not to be afraid to come forward and report any unscrupulous practices.
   
“We will definitely investigate and take action on this,” Benitez assured, stressing that financial aid should be used to help beneficiaries and not to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals.

“If anyone is taking commissions from this assistance, that’s unacceptable.”

The mayor  plans to gather testimonies and affidavits and vowed that such practices will not be tolerated. 

He revealed that discussions are underway with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to improve the payout system, with the goal of reducing long queues and eliminating opportunities for exploitation.

Benitez emphasized the importance of educating beneficiaries to prevent them from falling prey to these schemes. “We want to assure them that they can report and resolve these issues with the government’s help,” he said.

To further streamline the process, Benitez suggested that financial assistance be distributed via e-wallets or directly through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, which would also reduce inefficiencies and potential fraud.

“I’ve always been against bureaucratic red tape, long queues, and excessive paperwork that complicate the process of delivering assistance,” he said. 

He said that excessive documentation often does little to verify beneficiaries and instead hinders qualified individuals from receiving aid promptly.

The mayor added that they are exploring a partnership with Top.ph, a locally developed digital wallet and mobile payment application, to address these issues. 

He said that modern technology could be used to create a more efficient system for validating eligible beneficiaries and verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted by social workers.

“This can be done through modern technology. It’s just a matter of putting it in place,” the mayor said.

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Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez
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