PACC reports 3,992 cases in hotline on public concerns

Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica revealed that a total of 3,992 reports have been made in its public concerns hotline ever since it was launched last April.

During the Laging Handa press briefing held on Friday morning, Belgica said that almost half of the calls they have received are complaints related to alleged unfair practices in the selection and distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) assistance.

The second-highest number of complaints involved people’s failure to be included in the list of beneficiaries.

Belgica said that they also received complaints regarding fake news, as well as criticisms against the government and President Duterte.

Despite the numerous complaints, Belgica said that the government should be lauded in its SAP distribution efforts. “Mas marami ang nakatanggap talaga kaysa doon sa nagrereklamo (A lot more people received [SAP] compared to those who are complaining),” said Belgica, adding that “mas maingay lang talaga ang nagrereklamo (those who did not receive are just making more noise).” However, he said that “we understand [their complaints] and we are acting on it.”

As for reports concerning fake news, Belgica said that they have passed it on to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He cited a Bulacan-based barangay kagawad who was faulted for anomalies in SAP distribution and the teacher who went viral for offering to pay a 150 million bounty to kill President Duterte.

Belgica added that they get complaints, too, about the alleged overpricing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Whatever reports they receive on the hotline, Belgica said they endorse it to the government agency in charge – such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), among many others.

“We partner with the agencies and endorse it to them for proper action,” he said.

Belgica warned corrupt officials and individuals to stop what they are doing because “haharap din sila sa batas (they will face the law).” He implored them to take pity on the poor and marginalized and to stop stealing from public coffers.

Should they persist with (their) corrupt activities, Belgica said: “We will make sure to [take action], investigate, and we will bring them to justice.”