DILG orders arrest of officials for SAP aid anomalies

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the arrest of local officials involved in anomalies concerning the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash aid.

President Duterte personally ordered the arrest of Barangay San Agustin kagawad Danilo Flores for allegedly pocketing P3,500 of the P6,000 SAP grant intended for his constituents.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año stressed that splitting or deducting any amount from the SAP subsidy is illegal and unacceptable, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Flores claimed he had an arrangement to distribute the deducted amount to other beneficiaries, but this was denied by the recipients.

The President offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of corrupt local officials involved in SAP distribution.

Flores was arrested for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Bayanihan Act after a video of the incident went viral.

Año directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to prioritize investigations into these graft and corruption cases.

Additionally, DILG regional directors are tasked to form investigating teams to pursue administrative cases against erring local officials, which could lead to suspension or dismissal from service.