Ombudsman Received 11 SAP-Related Complaints During ECQ
Published Jun 8, 2020 12:00 am
By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki
The Office of the Ombudsman has received a total of 11 complaints concerning the reportedly irregular distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) during the period of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Office of the Ombudsman (MANILA BULLETIN)
Ombudsman Samuel Martires revealed that the complaints numbered 11 as of yesterday. As to what these were about, he said "hindi pa namin binubusisi paisa-isa (we haven't scrutinized them one by one)."
Martires added that there is still no fact-finding investigation regarding these complaints because they are waiting for official data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). They are now closely coordinating with the DILG to file the complaints they have received online.
The DILG earlier said that it has received over 2,000 complaints concerning SAP distribution. Some people complained that barangay officials were asking for processing fees before releasing the government subsidy, while others are prioritizing the distribution of the cash aid to their own families and political allies.
Martires also shared that they received 86 procurement-related complaints from March 12 to May 14, which are now being encoded. However, he added that "mas importante 'yung ECQ-related (the ECQ-related complaints are more important)."
The Ombudsman admitted that they are having a difficult time with field investigations, given the continuous threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). "Tigil lahat mula nung mag lockdown ang field investigation, (Every field investigation was put to a halt during lockdown)," he said.
They are apprehensive about conducting interviews because there are specific areas that are deemed critical because of the disease, so Martires said he is closely coordinating with other government agencies for access to documents.
As of now, almost every department of the Office of the Ombudsman is back to work. However, Martires said they are implementing strict safety protocols for their employees, so only those who need to be physically present in the office will be there.
"If you need to work from home, work from home. If you need to get something from the office, magpaalam ka muna (ask permission first)," he said.
Office of the Ombudsman (MANILA BULLETIN)
Ombudsman Samuel Martires revealed that the complaints numbered 11 as of yesterday. As to what these were about, he said "hindi pa namin binubusisi paisa-isa (we haven't scrutinized them one by one)."
Martires added that there is still no fact-finding investigation regarding these complaints because they are waiting for official data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). They are now closely coordinating with the DILG to file the complaints they have received online.
The DILG earlier said that it has received over 2,000 complaints concerning SAP distribution. Some people complained that barangay officials were asking for processing fees before releasing the government subsidy, while others are prioritizing the distribution of the cash aid to their own families and political allies.
Martires also shared that they received 86 procurement-related complaints from March 12 to May 14, which are now being encoded. However, he added that "mas importante 'yung ECQ-related (the ECQ-related complaints are more important)."
The Ombudsman admitted that they are having a difficult time with field investigations, given the continuous threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). "Tigil lahat mula nung mag lockdown ang field investigation, (Every field investigation was put to a halt during lockdown)," he said.
They are apprehensive about conducting interviews because there are specific areas that are deemed critical because of the disease, so Martires said he is closely coordinating with other government agencies for access to documents.
As of now, almost every department of the Office of the Ombudsman is back to work. However, Martires said they are implementing strict safety protocols for their employees, so only those who need to be physically present in the office will be there.
"If you need to work from home, work from home. If you need to get something from the office, magpaalam ka muna (ask permission first)," he said.