Iloilo City’s AICS scandal dents barangay governance — Liga

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The involvement of barangay officials in the alleged anomaly in the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) payouts in Iloilo City threatens to erode public trust in barangay governance, according to the Liga ng mga Barangay.

In a statement released Monday, Dec. 23, the Liga expressed “serious concern” over the alleged involvement of 12 barangay officials in the unauthorized deduction of cash assistance intended for AICS beneficiaries.

The officials reportedly took PHP 8,000 to PHP 9,000 from the PHP 10,000 allocated to each beneficiary, based on the investigation by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The DSWD said beneficiaries were allegedly coerced to surrender most of the funds after leaving the payout center.

On Dec. 11, the DSWD filed administrative charges against 14 Iloilo City officials, including two City Hall employees.

While affirming its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of barangay officials nationwide, the Liga said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

“Such incidents damage the credibility of the barangay institution and unfairly drag many honest public servants into negative public perception,” the Liga said in Filipino.

The group reminded barangay officials to uphold integrity, compassion and accountability, stressing that public office is a responsibility—not a privilege—that must be exercised with dignity and respect for the law.

It also encouraged the public to stay vigilant and report any acts of corruption or abuse without fear, highlighting the critical role of citizen participation in safeguarding public funds.

The Liga said it trusts that due process will reveal the full truth and ensure that accountability is properly enforced.