19 Western Visayas barangay execs charged over SAP anomaly

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Nineteen barangay officials in Western Visayas were among those charged over alleged anomalies in the distribution of the government’s social amelioration program (SAP).

Eleven of the respondents are barangay captains, eight barangay council members, eight barangay secretaries, five barangay health workers, a purok leader, two liaison officers, a government social worker and three civilians, Lt. Col. Gilbert Gorero, regional police spokesman, said.

Gorero did not identify the respondents.

The Western Visayas police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against the suspects on Wednesday for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, RA 6713 or The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and falsification of public documents.

“We appreciate the courage and cooperation of the community in reporting alleged anomalies in the distribution of SAP in their respective barangays,” Gorero said.

Chief M/Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano – CIDG-Bacolod City office head, said among the charges were based on the complaints filed by those who were disqualified from the program who claimed that their monthly income had been altered.

The CIDG had earlier filed charges against 10 barangay officials and a health worker in Talisay and Bacolod cities for allegedly distributing SAP assistance to their relatives.

Aid returned

In the Cordilleras, 21 local government units (LGUs) have returned P10 million in SAP subsidy.

Leo Quintilla, Department of Social Welfare and Development regional director, said Bangued, Bucloc, Daguioman, Lacub, Licuan Baay, Luba, Pidigan, Tineg and Tubo in Abra; Mayoyao and Hingyon in Ifugao; Besao, Barlig, Paracelis and Sadanga in Mountain Province; Tanudan, Tinglayan and Tabuk City in Kalinga, and Sablan, Tuba and Bakun in Benguet returned unused SAP funds.   

At least 1,727 families returned SAP benefits totaling P9.5 million.

Quintilla said the LGUs also cited lack of beneficiaries. Artemio Dumlao