DILG warns LGUs on infra projects fund scam
>> Tuesday, January 31, 2023
BAGUIO CITY—The Dept.
of the Interior and Local Government Cordillera on Friday renewed its appeal to
local government units (LGUs) to be cautious against individuals/groups
presenting themselves as officials who can fast-track fund release of
infrastructure projects in exchange for a fee.
The appeal was renewed following the reports of individuals in the region claiming that they have access and influence in the release of the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) and other national government funding in exchange of fees.
"We are warning our local governments to avoid getting involved with these groups or giving monetary considerations to them and to be cautious and vigilant of these schemes," DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose said.
She added 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.
Based on reports, there were unscrupulous individuals claiming to have facilitated and expedited the release of LGSF-FALGU and demanding from the municipal mayors of Ifugao and Mountain Province to give them five to fifteen percent of the amount received by the LGUs. Some of these individuals are also demanding that they should be the ones contracted by the LGUs to implement the projects under LGSF-FALGU.
San Jose said only project proposals submitted by the LGUs directly to DILG through channels are reviewed and endorsed to DBM for funding. The LGSF-FALGU is released directly to LGUs without a need for anybody to follow it up, influence and expedite the release of said funds.
She reminded recipient LGUs to comply with provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act and be diligent in screening contractors who will implement the projects.
“Our DILG field offices are also enjoined in issuing the necessary guidance and advisories to help LGUs avoid transacting with these individuals/groups and our City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) are directed to coordinate with the LGUs to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to enjoin the LGUs to report such individuals and groups to the appropriate authorities," she said.
An advisory issued by the DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman condemned fraudulent claims and activities, and vowed to coordinate with authorities to investigate and determine swiftly those who are involved in this scam.
“We have alerted and have been seriously coordinating with pertinent authorities in conducting thorough investigation into these illegal activities and shall exert all efforts, within the fullest extent of the law, to identify, apprehend and file the appropriate charges against these deceitful individuals and groups,” said DBM Sec. Pangandaman.
The DBM Secretary also reiterated that their department and its attached agencies will not authorize any person or group to negotiate and solicit money from the public in exchange for favor.
“We strongly uphold with integrity, diligence, and transparency, and we strictly follow the provisions of existing laws, rules, and regulations on the release of funds,” she said.
The DBM also urges the public to be more discerning and to report similar cases or any other suspicious undertaking using the name of DBM, its secretary, or any other official to advance their personal agenda and interest. -- PMTG/DILG-CAR
The appeal was renewed following the reports of individuals in the region claiming that they have access and influence in the release of the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) and other national government funding in exchange of fees.
"We are warning our local governments to avoid getting involved with these groups or giving monetary considerations to them and to be cautious and vigilant of these schemes," DILG Cordillera Regional Director Araceli San Jose said.
She added 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.
Based on reports, there were unscrupulous individuals claiming to have facilitated and expedited the release of LGSF-FALGU and demanding from the municipal mayors of Ifugao and Mountain Province to give them five to fifteen percent of the amount received by the LGUs. Some of these individuals are also demanding that they should be the ones contracted by the LGUs to implement the projects under LGSF-FALGU.
San Jose said only project proposals submitted by the LGUs directly to DILG through channels are reviewed and endorsed to DBM for funding. The LGSF-FALGU is released directly to LGUs without a need for anybody to follow it up, influence and expedite the release of said funds.
She reminded recipient LGUs to comply with provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act and be diligent in screening contractors who will implement the projects.
“Our DILG field offices are also enjoined in issuing the necessary guidance and advisories to help LGUs avoid transacting with these individuals/groups and our City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (C/MLGOOs) are directed to coordinate with the LGUs to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to enjoin the LGUs to report such individuals and groups to the appropriate authorities," she said.
An advisory issued by the DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman condemned fraudulent claims and activities, and vowed to coordinate with authorities to investigate and determine swiftly those who are involved in this scam.
“We have alerted and have been seriously coordinating with pertinent authorities in conducting thorough investigation into these illegal activities and shall exert all efforts, within the fullest extent of the law, to identify, apprehend and file the appropriate charges against these deceitful individuals and groups,” said DBM Sec. Pangandaman.
The DBM Secretary also reiterated that their department and its attached agencies will not authorize any person or group to negotiate and solicit money from the public in exchange for favor.
“We strongly uphold with integrity, diligence, and transparency, and we strictly follow the provisions of existing laws, rules, and regulations on the release of funds,” she said.
The DBM also urges the public to be more discerning and to report similar cases or any other suspicious undertaking using the name of DBM, its secretary, or any other official to advance their personal agenda and interest. -- PMTG/DILG-CAR
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