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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG warns LGUs: Don't deal with fixers promising speedy release of public funds

DILG warns LGUs: Don't deal with fixers promising speedy release of public funds

Published May 28, 2024 05:17 am

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) warned the local government units (LGUs) in the region never to transact with groups claiming to have connections with the Department or the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the quick release of support funds for government projects in exchange for fees.

Despite previous warnings, the DILG-CAR received reports that some LGUs complained that certain individuals and organized groups continue to misrepresent themselves, claiming to have influence in national government agencies like the DILG and DBM for the speedier release of funds under the Local Government Support Fund - Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU).

DILG-CAR Director Araceli A. San Jose explained that these bogus groups and individuals allegedly approach unsuspecting LGUs with falsified documents, promising to expedite the release of funds in exchange for a certain percentage of the amount the LGU is set to receive.

Last year certain LGUs in Ifugao and Mountain Province reported experiencing similar incidents where unscrupulous individuals demanded five to 15 percent of the amount they would receive, and insisted that they should be the group to be contracted by the LGUs to implement these projects.

“We appeal to all our LGUs to exercise utmost diligence in engaging with any unauthorized individuals or groups, especially on matters concerning public funds. The DILG and the DBM operate only through our official channels and platforms to maintain fairness and integrity,” San Jose said.

She also reminded the LGUs to be wary of disclosing their official e-mail addresses and passwords, particularly those registered under the DBM’s Digital Requests Submissions for LGSF (DRSL), to any unauthorized entities to prevent potential misuse.

“We also enjoin our LGUs to likewise scale up their cybersecurity measures to ensure that all their government-issued accounts and equipment are free from any form of spyware or ransomware to prevent unauthorized access and breach of sensitive data,” she added.

San Jose said that the DILG is currently coordinating with the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-CAR) to assist LGUs in handling similar cases concerning the LGSF and other government-funded projects.

She encouraged LGUs to immediately report any suspicious or unauthorized activity to the concerned authorities for thorough investigation and appropriate action.

The public can get in touch directly with the DBM’s Public Assistance Office through the email address [email protected], its hotline number 8657-3300 local 2524, or the Usapang Budget Natin’s Facebook page.

Similar incidents can also be reported to the National Bureau of Investigation through their number (02) 8523-8231 to 38.

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