OVP warns public vs cash gift scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has warned the public against a scam circulating on social media urging people to register for a supposed cash and gift distribution activity by Vice President Sara Duterte.

“The Office of the Vice President would like the public to know that this social media promo is fake or a scam,” the OVP said in a statement in Filipino posted on its official Facebook account, accompanied with a photo of the fake promo card.

Under the supposed promo, Duterte would hand over P10,000 cash and grocery items as “early Christmas” gifts to those who would register.

The promo art card was accompanied by the online links in which the public should supposedly register for the gift-giving event.

“Reminder: Priority will be given only to those who registered!” the promo card read.

But, the OVP maintained in its statement that it has no such early Christmas event or program.

“This is not a program of Vice President Sara Duterte or the OVP. If you have any information about this, please report to the police authorities,” the statement also read.

Meanwhile, the OVP in three separate events recently distributed gift packs composed of Noche Buena grocery items to sidewalk vendors in Tacloban City, out-of-school youths in Virac, Catanduanes and overseas Filipino workers in Cagayan Valley.

It also distributed relief bags for the residents affected by the fire that hit Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu last Dec. 13.