DILG warns LGUs, execs against ‘agents’ accessing infra funds

By Pamela Mariz T. Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY— The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Cordillera warned local government units and local chief executives against individuals/groups who introduce themselves as agents or personnel of the Dept. of Budget and Management (DBM) conveying assistance to expedite access to the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) and other national government funding in exchange of favors, commissions or fees.
    "We are urging our local governments to avoid dealing with any fixer, scammer, or third-party entity and instead direct their letter requests to the Office of the Secretary of DBM," DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose said.
    Local roads, bridges, public markets, slaughterhouses, multi-purpose buildings/halls, multi-purpose pavements, drainage canals, sea wall/river wall, water system projects including level 1 stand-alone water points, evacuation centers, public parks, fish ports, and post-harvest facilities are among the infrastructure and other projects covered by LGSF-FALGU.
    "To our LGUs and the public, let us all be cautious and vigilant of such schemes and avoid getting involved with these groups or giving monetary considerations to them as some are even posing as government officials," San Jose said.
    Meanwhile, DILG field offices were urged to issue necessary guidance and advisories to help LGUs avoid transacting with these unscrupulous individuals/groups.
    The DBM earlier received reports that "third parties or fixers" were attempting to handle fund requests of barangays in exchange of P200,000 if a fund request was granted.
    "Our city, municipal local government operations officers are directed to coordinate with the LGUs to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and will report them to the appropriate authorities," she said -- PMTG/DILG CAR