Public warned vs 4PH scams

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has warned the public, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), of unscrupulous individuals and groups using the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) to solicit cash.

In a press statement, the DHSUD said it received reports that certain individuals and groups are enticing “investors,” particularly OFWs, to finance 4PH projects in exchange for attractive return rates.

“We are not accepting investors to contract us to build 4PH projects for them. We do not authorize any of our personnel or offices, including here in the DHSUD (central office), to offer or facilitate such an investment scheme,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said. “That is fake news, or worse, a scam,” he added.

Acuzar urged the public to report any private individuals or groups posing as “agents” of the government’s 4PH Program.

He advised those interested in 4PH to relay their queries and concerns directly to DHSUD or to concerned local government units.

He assured the public that any information relayed to DHSUD “will be handled with utmost confidentiality,” as he vowed to take legal action against those found abusing the 4PH Program.

“We will exert the full force of the law against these unscrupulous individuals or groups preying on unsuspecting victims...The DHSUD will not tolerate any illegal act meant to discredit or derail the current implementation of 4PH in various parts of the country,” he said.

To report suspicious 4PH-related activities, the public may contact the DHSUD at (02) 8424-4070, or email [email protected].