DILG lauds fast SAP distribution
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday lauded the local government units’ (LGU) efforts to fast-track the distribution of cash aid under the Supplemental Assistance Program (SAP) of the national government.
In a statement, DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that LGU — such as the local government of Pateros in Taguig — had used proper systems to distribute the cash assistance in order to prevent crowding and ensure that physical distancing was followed.
The LGU will receive a show cause order if they fail to comply with the distribution guidelines issued by the DILG and the DSWD.
But while Malaya commended the Pateros LGU for contracting a financial services company to deliver the ayuda pay-out electronically, he stressed that deducting a service fee from the actual payout for beneficiaries is improper.
“I was told this morning that Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III is reconsidering his decision upon the advice of the DILG. We advise him instead to charge the service fee to local funds similar to other LGU,” Malaya said.
Ponce, on the other hand, explained that the local government opted to use the payment outfit company because they are lacking people as some local officials and staff tested positive of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
“Just like what other LGU did, we had a payment outfit company hired to distribute the SAP, we did it because we also have a lot of Covid-19-positive staff. I hope our compatriots understand that we need to use this payment outfit for ease,” Ponce said.
To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte directed LGU to distribute P1,000 per individual for a maximum of P4,000 per family to help low-income individuals in areas under the extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The LGU are tasked to publicly post the list of the beneficiaries for the cash assistance and Malaya noted that the list should be posted on the LGU official website, social media accounts and inconspicuous places in the community to foster greater transparency and accountability.
The DILG spokesperson also reminded local officials that those who will refuse to follow the mandated guidelines in the distribution of assistance will be charged with “dereliction of duty” and may face administrative cases.
Malaya noted that the joint monitoring and inspection teams led by the DILG would oversee and inspect the LGU assigned to them and proof of posting the list of beneficiaries will be checked regularly.
The LGU will receive a “show cause” order if they fail to comply with the distribution guidelines issued by the DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Malaya stressed that safety measures are in place to ensure the funds would be given to qualified beneficiaries.