Initial DSWD probe indicates possible AICS cuts in Olango
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) said initial results of its investigation show there may have been deductions from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) payouts in Olango, but verification is still ongoing.
DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said during MyTV’s Openline Forum on Tuesday, April 14, that their office has already received reports regarding the alleged cuts.
She clarified that the agency releases the full amount indicated in its payroll, stressing that if P5,000 is listed, that is the exact amount provided to beneficiaries.
READ: Chan orders probe into alleged AICS aid deductions in Olango
Lucero explained that any deductions would not be immediately known to the DSWD unless complaints are raised, noting that these may have been carried out outside the official payout venue and process.
Following reports that surfaced on April 7, the agency deployed a team to Olango Island to conduct a field investigation.
Based on initial interviews with officials and several beneficiaries, some claimed that deductions were indeed made from their cash assistance. However, Lucero emphasized that these claims are still being verified as investigators continue gathering evidence to determine the appropriate course of action.
“May nagsabi na may kaltas pero yun ang gusto kong makita sa report because I want to see proof of the investigation na meron nga talagang kaltas, pero iyon ang initial findings nila na meron [deductions],” said Lucero.
(Some said there were deductions, but I want to see proof in the report confirming that there were indeed deductions, although these are still initial findings.)
“Unfortunately, we have yet to receive evidence kasi kung report or estorya lang tanan, unsa man ang basehan sa DSWD sa next step? But there was already that report,” she added.
(Unfortunately, we have yet to receive evidence because if everything is just reports or stories, what will the DSWD base its next step on? But there was already that report.)
READ: DSWD checks ‘unauthorized deductions’ from aid in Olango
She said a comprehensive report is expected to be completed soon, likely by Tuesday, April 14, after which updates will be released.
Lucero also confirmed that the matter has already reached Rex Gatchalian, who is now awaiting the final report, with clear instructions to regional directors not to tolerate any wrongdoing in the program.
AICS is a government program intended to provide immediate financial and other support to individuals facing sudden crises.
If the allegations are substantiated, the DSWD may pursue legal action against those responsible.
“There have been precedents like there was a region nga naay same incidents, na-investigate, naay ebidensya, and DSWD filed a case against the perpetrators,” Lucero said.
(There have been similar incidents in another region that were investigated, evidence was found, and the DSWD filed a case against the perpetrators.)
The issue surfaced after several residents raised concerns through social media posts, comments, and reports, claiming they received only around P1,800 to P2,000 from the supposed P5,000 assistance. Complainants alleged that about P3,000 was collected from them, purportedly to fund a barangay-level bayanihan road cementing project.
On Monday, April 13, Lapu-Lapu City Representative Junard Ahong Chan ordered a separate investigation into the matter after also receiving reports regarding the AICS issue, and said results will be released as soon as possible.
He later posted videos of interviews with beneficiaries as part of his probe. Some residents expressed satisfaction with the project and said they voluntarily agreed to contribute funds for the road concreting project, adding that no one was forced to contribute and only those willing and able chose to participate.
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