In a letter sent to Interior Secretary Benjamin A. Abalos, Secretary Pangandaman requested the assistance of the DILG, specifically in cautioning local government units (LGUs) through their respective local chief executives (LCE) against fraudulent individuals or organized groups.
These scammers would draft documents and would ask local chief executives to sign their fake requests, identify contractors, and ask for money in exchange for the supposed expedited release of funds for certain programs and projects.
The Budget Chief requested the help of the DILG to inform the public against dealing with individuals representing themselves to be officials or personnel of the DBM, as well as those acting as middlemen to earn or solicit money for the false guarantee of expedited release of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Financial Assistance (FA) under the General Appropriations Act.
Secretary Pangandaman likewise sought the help of the NBI to track down these fraudsters, conduct an investigation, and hold them accountable for their criminal activities. She likewise assured the NBI of the agency’s full cooperation, including providing leads relative to the nefarious scheme.
Meanwhile, Secretary Pangandaman reminded the public to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent transactions and assured to continue protecting the public interest and the country’s coffers.
"Muli po kaming nananawagan sa ating mga kababayan na makipag-transact lamang po sa official channels ng DBM. Rest assured that the DBM will exert all efforts and employ the fullest extent of the law to identify, apprehend, and file charges against these deceitful individuals," the DBM Chief asserted. (PR/DBM)