The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday warned local officials against using their name, photo, or image in the distribution of ₱22.9 billion financial assistance for those individuals affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
DILG spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya stressed that the ayuda (financial assistance) to NCR Plus areas should not be politicized.
“The use of the ayuda for partisan political purposes for the 2022 national elections is strictly prohibited. The DILG will not tolerate the politicization of government aid or tolerate the practice when we see it or made aware of it,” he said,
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued the guidelines for the distribution of financial assistance worth PHP1,000 per individual, with a maximum of PHP4,000 per family to residents of Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan.
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According to Malaya violators will be held liable under Section 82 of the General Appropriations Act, which prohibits the use of the name, visage, appearance, logo, signature, or any other analogous image of any public official, whether elected or appointed, in all programs, activities, and projects of the government.
“Administrative charges under Commission on Audit (COA) Circular 2013-004 may also be filed against public officials violating the prohibition” Malaya furthered.
The said circular prohibits the display of pictures, images, logos, initials, or any other graphic representation of the implementing officials in all government programs and projects.
Malaya added that the public may file complaints to the DILG together with photos and other documentary evidence.
Meanwhile, he guaranteed that safeguards are in place to ensure that the funds will get to the intended beneficiaries and that local government units (LGUs) have their own Grievance and Appeals Committee where people can submit their complaints and grievances.
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“We will make sure that the funds downloaded to the LGUs are used for purposes they were intended for. Before distribution, the mayor should issue an executive order detailing therein the type, manner, or process of distribution so that the public is properly guided. They are also required to create a Grievance and Appeals Committee per LGU where people can submit complaints,” he said.
Meanwhile, a separate Joint Monitoring and Inspection Team (JMIT) per local government unit will be also created that will address the complaints raised by the public regarding cash aid, monitor compliance of their LGU, raise issues related to delay or anomalies in distribution to higher authorities, and cause the filing of cases against violators.
Each JMIT unit will be led by the local DILG operations officer and representatives from the DSWD, the Philippine National Police, the local prosecutor’s office, and civil society organizations.
Malaya said the PNP will be tasked to investigate and do a case build-up on reported cases of irregularities in the distribution of assistance. (RA)
