Baronda pushes DSWD payout reforms amid Iloilo City aid cut scandal

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda has called for sweeping reforms in the government’s cash aid distribution system following allegations that barangay officials in the city pocketed portions of financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Her call follows a Nov. 21 report from the DSWD that described the alleged deductions as “pre-planned, orchestrated, and systemic.”

The investigation, led by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, found that at least 17 barangay officials were implicated in the scheme.

In a privilege speech on Dec. 3, Baronda denounced what she described as a “deeply disturbing” operation that turned humanitarian assistance into “prey for the greedy.”

“The AICS was never designed to be a political tool,” she said. “It was never meant to be a bargaining chip, nor a carrot or a stick. AICS was created as a humanitarian response — a safety net — for Filipinos facing the most difficult moments of their lives.”

With the investigation ongoing, Baronda urged the DSWD to publicly release the fact-finding results, including the names of the 17 officials allegedly involved.

She also recommended filing administrative and criminal charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).

Baronda said the DSWD must conduct random post-payout verification to ensure beneficiaries receive the full amount of assistance.

To reduce opportunities for intermediaries to interfere, she pushed for direct disbursement through bank transfers, e-wallets, cash cards, or accredited financial institutions.

She also called for a review of case study issuance procedures, citing reports that some local social welfare offices allegedly use the process to steer aid recipients toward certain political figures.

“Public funds intended for the poor are sacred,” Baronda said. “They must never be stolen, extorted, or politically weaponized.”

“Let us find ways to disempower intermediaries and remove opportunities for corruption or political intervention,” she added, stressing that social protection programs must reach beneficiaries intact and free from manipulation.