42 barangay officials face criminal charges over SAP distribution anomalies

At least 42 barangay officials nationwide are facing criminal charges for corrupt practices in the distribution of financial assistance to the poor under the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has already filed the criminal cases against the 42 barangay officials. 

Malaya also said the transfer of the cases from the DILG to the CIDG means they will no longer issue show cause orders against the barangay officials. 

He added the CIDG is also preparing criminal charges against 15 other barangay officials while 93 are still under investigation.

Malaya added that the PNP has already received more than 400 complaints of corruption against barangay officials nationwide.

“Sa tingin namin, lolobo pa ang numero ng mga barangay officials na sasampahan ng kaso ng ating pamahalaan (We think the number of barangay officials to file cases against will still increase),” Malaya said.

Malaya urged the public to report erring barangay officials to their nearest police stations so that the appropriate charges will be filed against them.