ILOILO CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian filed administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against local officials implicated in alleged payout anomalies under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The action follows a report from DSWD Western Visayas on November 12, which cited grievances from AICS beneficiaries.

Allegedly, certain local officials unlawfully took ₱8,000 from the intended recipients during the AICS payout on November 11, leaving only ₱2,000 to beneficiaries.

Secretary Gatchalian condemned the alleged corruption, stressing that fraudulent practices will not be tolerated and reaffirming the department’s commitment to ensure social assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries.

Criminal cases are being prepared as evidence continues to be gathered.