98 face raps over SAP anomaly in Western Visayas

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  –  The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against 98 barangay officials and civilians in Western Visayas over alleged anomalies in the implementation of the government’s social amelioration program (SAP).

Lt. Col. Gervacio Balmaceda Jr., CIDG regional field unit chief, said 50 suspects were charged in this city, based on the complaints of 42 people.

Ten others were charged in Negros Occidental, 29 in Iloilo, six in Antique and one each in Iloilo, Capiz and Aklan.

Balmaceda said there are 92 complainants.

The respondents are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and RA 10469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

This developed as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office announced yesterday that it would start releasing SAP cash assistance to 19,534 additional family-beneficiaries in the region this week.

DSWD regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, said the payout would be held in three municipalities in Aklan, two in Antique, seven in Capiz, four in Guimaras and five in Negros Occidental.

Macapobre said the DSWD would lead the payout in partnership with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.