By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has warned against taking cuts, commissions, or percentages from the financial aid it provides, stressing that such acts are illegal and will not be tolerated.
In an advisory, DSWD-6 said it would pursue legal action against individuals involved in such practices, bringing offenders to justice.
“We do not tolerate any act of getting cuts in the assistance that we release. Definitely, getting commissions from the aid that we are releasing is a big no-no,” said DSWD-6 Regional Director Arwin Razo.
Razo issued the statement after reports reached his office alleging that some individuals were demanding percentages or cuts from recipients of DSWD programs.
Programs involving payouts include the Sustainable Livelihood Program, which provides livelihood grants; the Social Pension Program for the elderly; the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS); and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), which offers medical, burial, and food assistance. The Cash-for-Work program, which provides cash payments for services rendered, is also affected.
Razo noted that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) remains insulated from such issues since the grants are deposited directly into beneficiaries’ cash cards.
“To our partner beneficiaries, whenever we process and release assistance, that is intended for you. You are not bound to give commissions to anyone or allow cuts to the assistance provided by DSWD,” Razo said.
He assured the public that the DSWD is committed to delivering aid directly to its rightful recipients, maintaining fairness and transparency in the process.
