5 barangay execs nabbed over SAP anomaly
CEBU, Philippines — Five barangay officials of Managase, Tabogon town in northern Cebu were arrested yesterday over alleged irregularities in the distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP) cash subsidy.
They are Barangy Captain Santiago Sollano; Councilwoman Ruthlene Ybañez; purok leader and barangay tanod head Nolito Ybañez; barangay health workers Noemi Bontia and Jessa Ursal.
They were apprehended by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 81 Judge Glenn Jumao-as for violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Recommended bail for the charge is P90,000 each.
Police Staff Sergeant John Paul Armero of Tabogon Police Station said it stemmed from a complaint of a resident who claimed that the cash subsidy was divided among the accused instead of distributing it to the beneficiaries.
"Naa may ni-complain diri nga gitunga nila ang maong kanang amount nga ibahin-bahin unta sa mga tawo,” he said.
According to the complainant, only half or P3,000 of the cash aid was given to the SAP beneficiaries.
On Wednesday, 14 Tubod barangay officials in Barili town, southern Cebu also surrendered to authorities.
A warrant of arrest was issued against them for their alleged involvement in the anomalous distribution of SAP funds.
Among those who surrendered were Barangay Captain Aurelio Mabano and his seven councilmen Mercy Camonas, Romulo Omalay, Baleriano Mabano, Roy Tangarorang, Loreto Ejambre, Arthur Aranda and Carlo Emnacen.
In Central Visayas, 90 officials, including 23 barangay chiefs, were sued over SAP irregularities. — KQD (FREEMAN)
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