Ex-DSWD chief, 6 others probed for PDAF

MANILA, Philippines - Former social welfare secretary Esperanza Cabral, along with six others, will be investigated for their alleged involvement in the misuse of a former Caloocan City lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2009, the Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday.    

Aside from Cabral, former undersecretary Mateo Montaño, assistant secretary Vilma Cabrera, Director III Pacita Sarino and chief accountant Leonila Hayahay of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as well as Cenon Mayor, president of the Kalookan Assistance Council Inc. (KACI), will undergo preliminary investigation.

The ombudsman’s Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO) has filed charges of graft and malversation of public funds against them for anomalous utilization of former congresswoman Mary Mitzi Cajayon’s pork barrel funds amounting to P10 million in 2009.

A separate complaint for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty was filed against Montaño, Cabrera and Sarino. Mayor is facing charges of malversation and falsification of public documents.

Records showed that in 2009, Mayor submitted a project proposal for the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated delivery of social services with poor Caloocan City residents as beneficiaries.

On May 5, 2009, Cajayon wrote a letter to Cabral endorsing the project.

The former lawmaker recommended KACI as project implementor. KACI is not duly accredited as a “people’s organization.”