Victorias city: Victorias City in Negros Occidental is investigating the alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in one of its barangays.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Abelardo Bantug III stated that beneficiaries reported receiving less than the intended amount and were asked to return a portion to the person managing the beneficiary list.
At least 150 individuals are interested in pursuing legal action. "This is unacceptable. We do not - and will never - tolerate such acts," Bantug remarked. The Mayor's Office received a letter on Dec. 9, indicating that an AICS payout occurred in Barangay 21 without City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) personnel present.
Bantug instructed the CSWD head to report the issue to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office. In response, DSWD personnel supervised subsequent payouts, ensuring beneficiaries were reminded to receive their full allotment.
Despite these measures, complaints persisted, indicating beneficiaries received less than promised. Social media claims mention an intended PHP10,000 payout, with PHP8,500 allegedly being reclaimed by the list manager, leaving beneficiaries with only PHP1,500.
To address the issue, Bantug has initiated an investigation and urged victims and witnesses to report to the CSWDO. The 150 individuals who stepped forward receive assistance from the CSWDO and the City Legal Office, with prepared sworn statements and collected evidence, including videos and conversations, to support their claims.
The evidence will be forwarded to the DSWD-Negros Island Region for potential criminal proceedings. Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca expressed the City Council's support for the mayor's efforts, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of citizens' rights.
AICS, an initiative of the DSWD, provides various forms of assistance based on assessments by social workers, with cash grants ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000.
