Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental – Authorities arrested a 54-year-old man accused of collecting nearly half of the cash aid intended for beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program.
According to police reports, the suspect allegedly deducted ₱5,960 from each beneficiary, leaving them with only ₱4,000 out of the ₱9,960 financial assistance meant to help families affected by recent calamities. The man reportedly promised recipients that they would be included in the beneficiary list in exchange for a share of their cash assistance.
The ECT program provides ₱9,960 per qualified household, regardless of profession, so long as they are validated as heavily affected by a disaster. The payout in Governor Generoso is part of a larger distribution, with more than ₱87 million allocated for nearly 9,000 beneficiaries this week.
Alleged Widespread “Cuts” in Barangays
The arrest has sparked public outrage and further allegations that similar schemes were taking place in multiple barangays across Governor Generoso.
Former Vice Mayor Katrina Joy Orencia posted on social media a series of complaints she received from residents detailing various payoff schemes:
- In Barangay Nangan, beneficiaries reportedly had to surrender portions of their aid, with ₱2,000 allegedly going to those who listed the names, and another ₱2,000 supposedly allocated for church materials, while the remainder was divided among intermediaries.
- In Barangay Manuel Roxas, some recipients received only ₱5,000, while nearly ₱5,000 was taken by a barangay official.
- In Barangay Tibanban, reports claimed that beneficiaries were given only ₱3,000 to ₱4,000, with the excess collected by a barangay liaison officer or turned over to other local leaders.
- In Barangay Surop, the barangay treasurer allegedly went house to house to collect ₱2,000 from each recipient.
- In Barangay Osmeña, collected amounts were reportedly remitted to the barangay for unclear purposes.
Complaints further alleged that field leaders, job order personnel, and so-called barangay liaison officers were the ones handling the lists of beneficiaries, bypassing barangay captains and official processes.
Public Reaction
A concerned netizen condemned the alleged scheme, questioning why the arrested suspect, identified as Peter Tanduyan, who held no official municipal position, was able to operate so openly. The commenter suggested that higher officials may also be involved and called on residents not to be deceived by local leaders who claim to care for the people but allegedly benefit from the deductions.
Meanwhile, Orencia urged beneficiaries not to give up portions of their aid, stressing that the funds are meant solely for disaster-affected families. She advised residents to immediately report such schemes to the DSWD, Governor Niño Sotero Uy Dayanghirang, and Congressman Cheeno Almario.
Calls for Accountability
As the investigation continues, police and DSWD officials are facing mounting pressure to address allegations of systemic corruption in the ECT distribution in Governor Generoso. Beneficiaries have also expressed frustration, citing the long queues they endured at gymnasiums just to claim their assistance, only to have portions allegedly taken away by unauthorized individuals.
Authorities assured the public that they are looking into the matter and urged beneficiaries to come forward with complaints and evidence so that those behind the illegal deductions can be held accountable.