DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Saturday, Feb. 14, warned the public against using fake documents to apply for government assistance, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
“We strictly remind the public not to use fake IDs or any falsified documents just to get aid from DSWD or any government agency. This is strictly prohibited and has corresponding liability under our Revised Penal Code,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
The warning follows an incident on Feb. 11, when a social worker at DSWD’s Field Office (FO) in the National Capital Region (NCR) stopped a man trying to get medical assistance under AICS using a fake persons-with-disability ID.
His statements during the interview did not match the documents he submitted.
“While interviewing the client, he admitted to our social worker that his documents were fake, so he was immediately reported by DSWD FO NCR to Barbosa Police Station for blotter,” Dumlao said.
“Government programs are for those who truly need them. In using fake documents, not only is the law violated, but legitimate clients are also deprived of the chance to be given proper aid. Because of this, DSWD will not hesitate to file a case against anyone proven to use fake documents,” she added.
DSWD also urged the public to report any suspicious activity to help protect the integrity of its programs.
“We encourage the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police or any law enforcement agency to maintain the integrity of DSWD programs,” Dumlao said.