Glan, Sarangani — A cloud of public outrage hangs over Barangay Calpidong after revelations that nearly ₱600,000 in barangay funds—money drawn from the hard-earned taxes of residents—was withdrawn and misused, leaving the village with only ₱14,000 to run its daily operations.
What initially surfaced as an alleged online gambling (“scatter”) scandal has now taken a critical turn.
The barangay treasurer, who identified herself as “Jenny Mae,” has categorically denied being addicted to online gambling, clarifying that more than ₱400,000 of the barangay funds were instead placed into what she believed was a legitimate investment—later discovered to be an investment scam. According to her account, she was convinced by third parties to invest the money and eventually became trapped as losses mounted.
However, while the explanation shifts the narrative, the core issue remains unchanged: public funds were withdrawn, diverted, and placed at risk without proper authority or safeguards.
Funds Withdrawn Without Checks and Balances
Barangay Captain Hipolito Alicer confirmed that the withdrawals allegedly began in August 2025, carried out through an online banking application. Alarmingly, the treasurer was able to access the funds using one-time passwords (OTPs) sent directly to the captain’s mobile phone, raising serious questions about internal controls, oversight, and accountability at the barangay level.
Alicer admitted that he fully trusted the treasurer and initially had no suspicion of wrongdoing.
That trust unraveled when the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) requested funds for youth programs—only to find that the money was already gone.
Borrowed Funds, Family Ties, and Wider Accountability
In her statement, the treasurer further disclosed that additional portions of the missing funds were borrowed by the sister of the barangay captain, while smaller amounts were borrowed by three barangay staff members. These admissions have intensified public concern, as the controversy now extends beyond one official to possible misuse of public funds involving people closely linked to barangay leadership.
Whether labeled as “investment,” “borrowing,” or otherwise, the money involved remains public money—intended for services, programs, and community development, not private ventures or personal arrangements.
Mayor Orders Anti-Graft Charges
Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. has ordered the filing of anti-graft and corruption charges against the barangay treasurer, citing the alleged misappropriation of nearly ₱500,000. Earlier reports also claimed that the treasurer copied the barangay captain’s signature to facilitate withdrawals—an allegation that remains part of the ongoing investigation.
The Barangay Calpidong Council has since begun preparing formal cases to hold those responsible accountable. Captain Alicer said he would personally cooperate in the legal process to prove he had no direct involvement in the disbursement of the missing funds.
Public Money, Public Trust
As of today, Barangay Calpidong is left operating on a shoestring budget, its residents paying the price for what many see as a systemic failure to protect public funds.
Whether caused by gambling, deception, or misplaced trust, the scandal underscores a harsh reality:
taxpayers’ money was exposed, mishandled, and nearly wiped out.
For residents, the demand is clear—not just for explanations, but for full accountability, repayment of funds, and stronger safeguards to ensure that no barangay official can ever again gamble—literally or figuratively—with the people’s money.