Iloilo city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has initiated administrative proceedings against 14 barangay officials in Iloilo City. The charges, filed at the Office of the Ombudsman, concern irregularities in the distribution of funds under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the charges follow a report from DSWD's Field Office 6 - Western Visayas, submitted to Secretary Gatchalian on November 12. The report highlighted multiple grievances from AICS beneficiaries, alleging that certain village officials unlawfully deducted PHP8,000 from their payouts on November 7, 11, and 12, leaving only PHP2,000 for the intended recipients.

Secretary Gatchalian condemned these acts as corrupt and unacceptable, emphasizing that such misconduct will not be tolerated during his tenure. He reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s stance that DSWD assistance should directly benefit those in need without interference. Gatchalian criticized the officials for exploiting individuals already in crisis, stating that the administrative charges are a precursor to criminal charges that are also being prepared.

Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda praised the DSWD's swift action and called for criminal charges against all those involved, including any masterminds behind the scheme. She encouraged others affected by similar issues to come forward and report their experiences to DSWD's Regional Field Office-6.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed its full support for the DSWD's actions. The DILG emphasized that exploiting distressed families is unacceptable and runs counter to the administration's principles of transparent and accountable governance. They assured that they are collaborating with relevant bodies to ensure a thorough investigation and urged the public to report any irregularities in social assistance programs.