DAVAO DEL NORTE — Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib has initiated legal action against politicians and their associates in the province implicated in irregularities related to the distribution of cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Governor Jubahib disclosed that numerous individuals approached his office, expressing concerns about discrepancies in the aid they received. He detailed instances where beneficiaries signed for a certain amount during distribution, only to have the sum reduced after leaving the venue.
“The complaint we received reveals a significant anomaly in the distribution of the AICS Program by the DSWD, not only in the city of Asuncion but throughout Davao del Norte. Beneficiaries signed and received an amount of 5,000 pesos. Still, as they exited the venue, they were taken to a room to collect 4,000 pesos. Similarly, for the education support program for students who signed and received 10,000 pesos, they were later taken to a room where 9,000 pesos were withdrawn, leaving them with only 1,000 pesos,” Jubahib said.
Governor Jubahib, accompanied by legal authorities, has formally filed cases against the politicians and their associates involved.
“There is an instance of a Barangay Budget amounting to 10,000 pesos; after beneficiaries signed and received the full amount, they later took back 7,000 pesos. Many have complained, some even during the barangay election period. The money was collected and distributed among the beneficiaries. One testimony revealed that they observed the funds being divided among candidates. We won’t tolerate these actions because the money is from the national government, intended to help through AICS and DOLE programs,” Jubahib added.
The complaint has undergone profiling and been submitted to the Senate, garnering support from several senators, including Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva, Koko Pimentel, Risa Hontiveros, and Christopher “Bong” Go.
Governor Jubahib emphasized their commitment to ensuring all affected beneficiaries are refunded for the shortfall they experienced due to the actions of these politicians.
“We have submitted all the evidence, and our efforts are ongoing to ensure that those who have been victimized, including the beneficiaries and victims of these politicians, will be refunded for the money they signed for but did not receive,” the Davao del Norte governor said.
The governor underscored the importance of equitable cash assistance distribution to beneficiaries of government programs and expressed his determination to pursue legal action against those involved in anomalies.
