ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda cited the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for filing administrative complaints against barangay officials for deducting money received by Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiaries.
“I commend the DSWD under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian for filing administrative charges against those allegedly responsible for committing an injustice against AICS beneficiaries in Iloilo City,” said Baronda in a statement shared by the official social media page of the DSWD on Monday, Dec. 15.
Gatchalian personally filed the administrative complaints on behalf of the DSWD before the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City last Thursday, Dec. 11.
A total of 12 barangay officials and two Iloilo City Hall employees were charged.
They allegedly took P8,000 out of the P10,000 cash aid during on-site payouts last Nov. 7, 11, and 12.
“The DSWD has our full support in ensuring that these perpetrators – including the masterminds and their co-conspirators – are held accountable,” emphasized Baronda.
She urged DSWD to probe similar deductions that occurred the year before.
“It would be even more prudent for the DSWD to investigate similar incidents that occurred in 2024. They must also be held criminally liable, together with the mastermind or masterminds who orchestrated this scheme,” Baronda said.
They are publicly linked as supporters of incumbent Mayor Raisa Treñas and her father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The Treñases broke their political alliance with Baronda last year when Jerry initially announced his daughter Raisa will replace Baronda as congresswoman.
That plan did not push through as Jerry did not run for a third and final term as city mayor. He fielded his daughter Raisa.
Baronda urged other victims to come forward and seek the assistance of the DSWD-6. “Do not be afraid. Remain steadfast,” Baronda said.