On alleged fund anomaly: DSWD-6 requests solon to investigate his staff

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The DSWD-6 asked the office of Cong. Joaquin Carla Rahman Nava (lone district of Guimaras) to conduct an investigation over the financial anomaly allegedly done by his staff to an indigent client of the agency.

“We are asking the lone representative of Guimaras to make the necessary investigation. Rest assured that the DSWD will cooperate with him in the conduct of the investigation,” said DSWD-6 director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre in her letter to Nava, a copy of which was furnished to The Freeman.

“The DSWD, which provides augmentation to local government units along social welfare and development, has done its part in facilitating and releasing the financial assistance as requested by the client, however, relative to the allegation that the staff of Rep. Nava has retained some amount after encashment,” Macapobre wrote.

The alleged anomaly started after one client Nilo Galon of Guimaras, through his daughter Isabel Galon Cataluña, asked for financial help from the office of Nava.

Cataluña said she was informed by a certain Mylene, one of the congressman’s staff, that the recipient will be given P 7,000 in financial assistance.

Cataluña, however said that, when she went to Iloilo City and get the check for the beneficiary, she was surprised to see the amount indicated in the check was P25,000.

Instead of en-cashing the check at Land Bank of the Philippines, Cataluna said she was instructed allegedly by Mylene to en-cash it instead at Southern Trading in Brgy. Alibhon of Jordan town.

At Southern Traiding, Cataluña was given P7,000 only while the remaining P 18,000 was allegedly left to Mylene.

DSWD-6 record shows that the agency had released P25,000 to Isabel Galon Cataluña last March 8, intended as financial assistance for the eye surgery of her father.

“The DSWD has done its part in releasing the assistance and was not remiss of its duty in any way. As to the utilization of the money and what was done after the release, it is beyond DSWD’s control. Clients are instructed during the releasing of check that it should be en-cashed with the Landbank of the Philippines, which is our depository bank. Further, they are reminded of the purpose why funds are released to them,” said Macapobre.

Macapobre said one of the means of augmentation is by releasing medical, burial and transportation assistance through the DSWD’s Aids for Individuals in Crisis Situation.

She added that source of funds are from the regular budget of the DSWD and the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) of congressmen.

“Let it be emphasized that the DSWD strives to extend the best service to its clients to help individuals in crisis situation,” she added. (FREEMAN)