Five Iloilo City village officials face SAP-related raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The filing of criminal charges continues months after the government started the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

And the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Region 6 (CIDG-6) is far from finished in running after those allegedly involved in the anomalous SAP distribution.

On Tuesday, CIDG-Iloilo City filed two criminal complaints against five officials of Barangay Salvacion Habog-Habog in Molo district.

The respondents were Barangay Captain Nelson Muñoz, Barangay Kagawad John Rey Padilla, Barangay Kagawad Nestor Muñoz, Barangay Secretary Mary Jean Ma-at and Barangay Treasurer Jing-jing Salbino.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act) and RA 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act) were filed against the respondents at the City Prosecutor’s Office.

And just like most of the complaints lodged at the CIDG-6, the respondents were also accused of including “ineligible” persons as SAP beneficiaries.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., CIDG-6 regional director, said a team of investigators interviewed six complainants.

They alleged that the “respondents connived and confederated with each other and committed the illegal acts by exercising their powers as elected barangay officials and appointed barangay employees in the selection of the SAP applicants who are not qualified as beneficiary contrary to the guidelines issued by the DSWD.”

Meanwhile, Balmaceda said an administrative case for violation of R.A. 6713 (Code of Ethical Standard of Public Official) will be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman upon resumption of its services.

The CIDG chief has again assured that their office will continue to investigate alleged irregularities in the SAP cash aid.