Another village chief and three barangay personnel in this city are facing charges for their alleged involvement in the anomalous identification of beneficiaries of government cash assistance amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
The respondents were identified as Barangay 19 chairman Kim Pirano, secretary Joemarie Cordeta, treasurer Raiza Fronda, and health worker Jean Doromal as shown in the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) before the City Prosecutor’s Office here on Tuesday.
A copy of the complaint lodged by Chief M/Sgt. Ramiro Gocotano, officer-in-charge of CIDG-Bacolod City Field Unit, stated that Pirano and the three barangay personnel violated Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Part of the complaint said that on April 23, 2020, the respondents “willfully and unlawfully connived and confederated with each other” wherein “some of the recipients who received the SAP (Social Amelioration Program) funds of Barangay 19 are the nearest close relatives and family members of the respondents and not actually qualified”.
It added that “Pirano signed and approved the list of the names of recipients to receive the SAP subsidy and prepared by appointed barangay officials and employees submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Bacolod City.”
“The respondents did not properly screen the qualified beneficiaries and instead prioritized those who are beneficial to their personal interest that resulted in being left out of most qualified beneficiaries,” the complaint further said.
In filing the complaint, the CIDG-Bacolod secured the joint affidavit of residents Rosalie Torbina, Arme Joy Limson, Jeomy Limson, Wellen Marie Rosales, Angelita Divinagracia, Benjie Bernasol, Renato Sindico, Irish Cristy Demandar, Moreno Tipanao, Araceli Ortiz, Valentino Ebon and Juvy Hofileña.
Pirano is the second barangay chairman in this city facing a complaint related to alleged SAP anomalies.
On May 15, the CIDG-Bacolod also assisted seven residents of Barangay Felisa in the filing of a complaint against their village chief and three barangay personnel for allegedly pocketing a portion of the PHP6,000 government cash aid they received in April.
Named as respondents were barangay chairman Ramon Jardin, barangay secretary Stephen Jalandoon, barangay liaisons Corazon Latoza and Rosejean Estador. Latoza is also the president of Purok Paho.
(Nanette Guadalquiver ndb via pna)