By CESAR JOLITO III
Authorities have launched parallel investigations into an alleged kickback scheme involving the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program in Negros Occidental’s Victorias City after more than 150 beneficiaries complained that their cash aid was unlawfully reduced.
In an official statement, Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III disclosed that the beneficiaries raised complaints over an alleged modus in the distribution of AICS cash assistance.
“More than 150 individuals came forward to formally file their complaints. With the assistance of our CSWDO [City Social Welfare and Development Office] head and legal officer, we have prepared their sworn statements. We have also gathered videos, audio recordings and screenshots of conversations between the complainants and the persons responsible,” Bantug said.
“These pieces of evidence will be consolidated and formally endorsed to the regional office for the filing of the appropriate criminal case against those involved,” the mayor added.
The complaints were endorsed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) and are now under investigation.
“These reports have left us frustrated, saddened and deeply concerned. What should have been an opportunity for relief and support for our constituents was instead tainted by exploitation and abuse,” Bantug said.
According to DSWD-NIR, beneficiaries complained that they received only P2,000 instead of the intended P10,000 cash assistance.
The agency said it remains open to receiving complaints from other affected beneficiaries, provided these are properly documented.
“I requested our team to come up with an incident report related to the allegations. If there are documented complaints, we are very much willing to accept and investigate them,” DSWD-NIR Regional Director Arwin Razo said.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental provincial government has also begun looking into allegations that one of its employees may have been involved in the alleged scheme.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the individual identified in the complaints is a contract of service or casual employee of the provincial government.
“If there is sufficient reason to discipline the person and the matter is brought to the level of the governor, we will investigate,” Diaz said.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents in future government aid distributions./CJ, WDJ