ISABELA PROVINCE — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said it would assist in the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against a barangay official who reportedly deducted P8,500 from the P10,000 financial aid given to a pregnant woman on June 6, 2024 at Davao del Sur.

The beneficiary, identified by the DSWD as Anne Villarin, was among those who received cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS)  program of the department.

“Walang may karapatan na kumaltas sa benepisyo or sa grant o ayuda na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan. Nobody, kahit elected official kahit na galing sa barangay, kahit appointed official, kahit kawani ng DSWD bawal iyan,” he added.

Gatchalian said the DSWD would join the beneficiary as co-complainant in the case.

“Sisiguraduhin natin na magiging warning ito, pinakamatinding warning sa mga magtatangkang samantalahin iyong mga mahihirap natin na mga benepisyaryo. Walang karapatan na magkaltas,” Gatchalian said.

The secretary also clarified that local executives could only recommended beneficiaries for the programs of DSWD.

“Anybody can refer, anyone can come to the DSWD Office  pero hindi ibig sabihin na bibigyan ka agad. Dadaan pa rin iyan sa masusing pagsusuri ng ating social worker,” he said.

Gatchalian urged beneficiaries to report to the DSWD if they had a similar experience.

“Hindi kayo obligado na magbigay kahit kanino. Para inyo iyang grant na iyan, iyang ayuda na iyan,” he stressed.