DSWD personnel face raps over spoiled relief goods

MANILA, Philippines – Several personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas face charges for the spoilage of relief goods intended for typhoon victims.

“Administrative cases have been filed and sanctions will be imposed on persons responsible for the misdeeds,” the DSWD said in a statement.

The DSWD did not identify the concerned personnel.

Sources said DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman gave instructions not to give information about the personalities involved so as not to preempt the investigation.

At least 164 sacks of rice intended for victims of Typhoon Ruby were dumped into a pit in Dagami, Tacloban City on Dec. 1.

Soliman earlier justified the dumping of spoiled food items, saying disaster victims should receive relief goods that are fit for human consumption.

“It is our duty to protect survivors of disasters from further harm. That is why we decided to dispose of the spoiled goods immediately,” she said.