NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DSWD Launches Investigation Into Alleged Cash Grant Collection By Religious Cult
Photo credit: Senator Risa Hontiveros Facebook
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, has initiated an investigation in response to reports suggesting that a religious cult is illicitly collecting cash grants from members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The probe was ordered following a compelling privilege speech delivered by Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, September 18, where she detailed the alleged activities of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which she characterized as a religious cult operating in Surigao del Norte.
Secretary Gatchalian, addressing senators during the DSWD's budget hearing on Wednesday, revealed the preliminary findings of their investigation. He reported that in Sitio Kapihan, located in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households identified as 4Ps beneficiaries. In the broader Barangay Siring, they have identified 503 households receiving 4Ps assistance.
"We have already initiated discussions with our city and municipal links to assess the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in the area," stated Secretary Gatchalian.
He further committed to providing the Senate with regular updates on the progress of their investigation.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a national government initiative designed to provide conditional cash grants to the most impoverished families, with the goal of enhancing the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18.
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that it is the standard practice of the DSWD that funds designated for beneficiaries are sacrosanct. "It’s against the creed of the Department when anyone misappropriates these funds, whether a government official or private individual," he affirmed during the budget hearing.
In addition to the 4Ps investigation, the DSWD is also looking into beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13). Their focus will be on the barangays and sitios within the sphere of influence of the alleged religious cult.
Secretary Gatchalian reaffirmed the Department's commitment to addressing allegations of AICS misuse, stating, "Whenever we receive allegations of AICS misuse, we take them seriously." He also highlighted that the Caraga regional director is already examining the AICS distribution in the area.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized, "We will immediately provide copies of our findings on both the 4Ps and AICS clusters to the committee and Senator Hontiveros's office."
The probe was ordered following a compelling privilege speech delivered by Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, September 18, where she detailed the alleged activities of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which she characterized as a religious cult operating in Surigao del Norte.
Secretary Gatchalian, addressing senators during the DSWD's budget hearing on Wednesday, revealed the preliminary findings of their investigation. He reported that in Sitio Kapihan, located in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households identified as 4Ps beneficiaries. In the broader Barangay Siring, they have identified 503 households receiving 4Ps assistance.
"We have already initiated discussions with our city and municipal links to assess the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in the area," stated Secretary Gatchalian.
He further committed to providing the Senate with regular updates on the progress of their investigation.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a national government initiative designed to provide conditional cash grants to the most impoverished families, with the goal of enhancing the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18.
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that it is the standard practice of the DSWD that funds designated for beneficiaries are sacrosanct. "It’s against the creed of the Department when anyone misappropriates these funds, whether a government official or private individual," he affirmed during the budget hearing.
In addition to the 4Ps investigation, the DSWD is also looking into beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13). Their focus will be on the barangays and sitios within the sphere of influence of the alleged religious cult.
Secretary Gatchalian reaffirmed the Department's commitment to addressing allegations of AICS misuse, stating, "Whenever we receive allegations of AICS misuse, we take them seriously." He also highlighted that the Caraga regional director is already examining the AICS distribution in the area.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Secretary Gatchalian emphasized, "We will immediately provide copies of our findings on both the 4Ps and AICS clusters to the committee and Senator Hontiveros's office."
Sep 21, 2023
