The Department of the Interior and Local Government expresses full support for the action taken by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in filing charges against barangay officials in Iloilo City who allegedly extorted money from Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations beneficiaries. Taking advantage of families already in distress is unacceptable and violates the Marcos administration’s call for clean, compassionate, and accountable governance.

The DILG is coordinating with the DSWD, the Office of the Ombudsman, and other disciplining bodies to ensure that the investigation proceeds with clarity and resolve. The Department will also reinforce monitoring mechanisms at the local level to stop similar abuses from taking root.

The public is encouraged to immediately report any irregular activity involving local officials in AICS distribution or in any other social assistance program. Every peso of government aid must reach beneficiaries in full and without fear. Officials who exploit the people they are sworn to serve will be held fully accountable.