Iloilo city: Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda is calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged reductions in the distribution of financial aid under the assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS). In a privilege speech during the plenary session of the House of Representatives, Baronda emphasized the necessity for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to disclose the names of village officials involved and the specific amounts deducted.

According to Philippines News Agency, Baronda asserted that there should be both administrative and criminal charges for those implicated in the misconduct. She also advocated for a post-payout random verification to ensure the funds reached the intended beneficiaries in crisis situations. To prevent future occurrences, Baronda encouraged the DSWD to consider direct disbursement methods, such as bank transfers, cash card systems, and e-wallets, to eliminate intermediaries and reduce opportunities for corruption or political interference.

Baronda revealed that affected residents reported a systematic pattern where intermediaries coerced beneficiaries to forfeit PHP8,000 or PHP9,000 of their aid. This practice, which has reportedly been ongoing since 2024, was confirmed by DSWD officials, though few individuals have had the courage to report it. She emphasized that AICS was designed as a humanitarian aid mechanism, not a political tool or leverage.

Last month, a DSWD fact-finding team led by Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma investigated the issue in Iloilo City. Data from DSWD indicated that off-site payouts in 16 barangays across Jaro and Arevalo Districts were meant for 2,161 beneficiaries, with complaints emerging from eight barangays. The DSWD is urging more victims to step forward and report their experiences.