DSWD probes alleged AICS aid cuts in Iloilo

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan and Jennifer P. Rendon

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu on Thursday, November 13, ordered the temporary suspension of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) payouts in Jaro district following allegations that barangay officials were deducting large amounts from beneficiaries’ cash aid.

The Iloilo City Government said it is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Western Visayas, the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President and ex officio Councilor Irene Ong, and Jaro district’s ABC to investigate the matter.

“[Treñas-Chu] requested to temporarily stop [AICS payout distribution] while the issue is being looked into, to ensure that the program’s implementation is just and fair,” the city said in a statement.

“This is in response to reports online and from media outlets alleging the corrupted implementation of the program,” it added.

“The Iloilo City Government takes this issue seriously and is coordinating with the DSWD-6 to ensure a fair and transparent process.”

The move came after social media posts and news reports showed videos and photos suggesting that barangay officials in Jaro were taking as much as PHP 8,000 to PHP 9,000 from the PHP 10,000 AICS assistance given to each beneficiary.

One viral video showed a barangay official in Desamparados instructing beneficiaries to return PHP 8,000, supposedly to share the aid with non-listed residents.

Another report alleged that a Barangay Lanit official and a tanod demanded PHP 8,000 from a resident after the November 11 payout held at Barangay Quintin Salas.

The DSWD central office has since ordered an investigation into the alleged scheme, naming Barangay Quintin Salas as the focal point of complaints.

DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao confirmed the probe, while DSWD-6 regional information officer Therese Fely Legaste said their office received four reports related to the Jaro payouts — three inquiries and one formal complaint.

“The three residents inquired about the exact amount they should receive and whether barangay officials were allowed to take a portion of the assistance,” Legaste said.

She added that the lone complainant claimed she was forced to return PHP 8,000 of the PHP 10,000 assistance right after receiving it.

“We have been monitoring social media posts, but direct reports from beneficiaries are essential to building a strong case,” Legaste said.

“We assure the public that we are keen on data privacy,” she added.

“We’re treating information and their identities with great confidentiality.”

Legaste said DSWD-6 staff from the Crisis Intervention Section have been instructed to submit a full report and that all reports have been forwarded to the agency’s legal unit.

She said the regional office is also conducting its own internal investigation and will coordinate with other relevant agencies as needed.

“We will pursue administrative or legal action if the allegations are substantiated,” she said.

DSWD reiterated that AICS financial aid must be received in full by qualified beneficiaries, and no individual — including barangay officials — is authorized to deduct any amount.

Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda also condemned the alleged scheme, calling the act exploitative and detrimental to the poor.

She said she had contacted DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government to launch its own probe and file charges if warranted.

The AICS program is a DSWD initiative that provides immediate and temporary support for individuals and families in crisis, covering needs such as food, transportation, medical services, education, and funeral costs.