Ombudsman Confirms Receiving Complaints Vs. Gov’t Officials Over SAP

Complaints Submitted To Ombudsman Over SAP Cash Aid

OMBUDSMAN – The Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that they received complaints against the government officials over the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash aid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected a lot of people in the Philippines. The quarantine measures have to be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease and the people are advised to stay at home.

Previously, the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in the entire Luzon and most parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Several non-essential businesses temporarily stopped their operation.

Undeniably, a lot of people are working on a no-work-no-pay basis in the Philippines. With some businesses having no choice but to temporarily stop their operation, many employees lost their monthly income.

Ombudsman
Photo: Eagle News

The government reached out to the people in dire need of financial assistance through the Social Amelioration Program. More commonly called as SAP, under this program, the poor families will be receiving a certain amount as assistance amid the crisis.

The in-charge in checking the qualifications of the beneficiaries and releasing the cash aid is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Households who wanted to apply for it must submit a form to their respective barangays.

The first tranche of the SAP cash aid was already released. However, a lot of issues and allegations crossed the surface. Some people complained that they did not get the right amount, that those people close to the officials were prioritized, that some violated the conditions set, and a lot more allegations.

Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the Ombudsman confirmed that they received complaints against government officials over the SAP. The office started receiving complaints since Metro Manila was placed under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

According to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, the investigation on the said SAP-related complaints has not started yet. Based on the report, the office is in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and they are still await the data.

When the field of investigation is under a “lockdown”, several processes in the office were affected. Meanwhile, Martires said that the clearance and records offices are operating. The other staff are on a work-from-home scheme.

READ ALSO: SAP 2nd Tranche Distribution: What will happen if Bayanihan Law expires?

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