A barangay chairman and three others were arrested for allegedly stealing aid for the social amelioration program.
According to the authorities, they have received reports of residents going to the claiming areas when it is likely that someone has taken the money allotted to them.
“Sabi po ng social worker sa akin, na-claim mo na ah. Sabi ko paano pong na-claim ko na e hindi pa po ako nakakapirma. Nakita na po namin na pumirma. Tinanong ko na yung social worker, pinipicturan po iyon. Nakita na yung mukha. Ginamit po yung pangalan namin. Pambili ng bigas po namin. Hirap at pagod po,” said Seniza.
Before Seniza arrived, someone had previously allegedly forged her ID, using her name.
Aside from Seniza, someone also took SAP for Renerio Salabo.
The Manila Department of Social Welfare immediately contacted the MPD Special Mayor’s Reaction Team and it was discovered that the quatans were barangay residents.
The suspects were identified as Ex-O of Barangay 608 in Sta Mesa as Isagani Darilay, and former bodyguard John Mark Nagera.
Also arrested were barangay chairman Mario Simbulan and councilor Cristina Zara.
Barangay chairman, 3 others arrested for stealing cash aid in Manila
The councilor allegedly made the certification, while the captain signed it.
“Dala lang ng pangangailan kasi yung isang taon na ECQ, nagka-utang ako sa bahay. Tapos yung panibago na naman, nagkanda baon baon, kuryente, tubig,” said Darilay.
According to the MPD, this is not the first time that barangay residents have been arrested for corruption.
“Mayroon nang dating 14 na chairman na na-show cause ng lokal na pamahalaan. At mayroon na ring mga chairman na kinasuhan ng special mayor’s reaction team katulong ang CIDG Manila at kinasuhan. Sila sila din mismo naglalaglagan,” said MPD – SMART chief Police Lt. Col. Rosalino Ibay.
The suspects are facing complaints of malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents.
In May 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will give a P30,000 reward to anyone who could provide verified information on local officials stealing cash aid for social amelioration program beneficiaries.
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