DSWD Strengthens Fight Against Document Fraud in Government Aid Programs
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified its campaign against the use of fraudulent documents in government assistance applications, following a recent case where a man attempted to secure medical aid using a fake person with disability identification card.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, serving as DSWD spokesperson, emphasized the agency's zero-tolerance policy toward document falsification during a statement released over the weekend.
"Mahigpit po naming pinapaalalahanan ang publiko na huwag gumamit ng pekeng ID o anumang falsified na dokumento para lamang makakuha ng tulong mula sa DSWD o sa kahit na anong ahensya ng gobyerno," Dumlao stated, highlighting that such acts constitute serious violations under the Revised Penal Code.
Manila Case Exposes Fraudulent Scheme
The warning follows an incident on February 11 when DSWD's Field Office National Capital Region intercepted a male applicant seeking medical assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. During his interview at the Manila office, inconsistencies in his statements led social workers to discover his PWD identification card was counterfeit.
"Habang iniinterview ang nasabing kliyente, umamin po sya sa aming social worker na peke ang kanyang mga dokumento," Dumlao explained, noting that the man confessed to using falsified documents. The case was immediately reported to Barbosa Police Station for official documentation.
Protecting Legitimate Beneficiaries
The DSWD emphasized that government assistance programs are designed specifically for genuinely needy Filipinos. Dumlao stressed that fraudulent applications not only violate legal statutes but also deprive legitimate beneficiaries of crucial support.
"Ang mga programa ng gobyerno ay para sa mga tunay na nangangailangan. Sa paggamit ng pekeng dokumento, hindi lamang batas ang nilalabag, kundi ay inaagawan din ng pagkakataon ang mga lehitimo na kliyente na mabigyan ng karampatang tulong," she declared.
The agency has committed to pursuing criminal charges against individuals caught using fraudulent documentation, reflecting the current administration's broader anti-corruption initiatives.
Community Vigilance Encouraged
DSWD officials are calling on Filipino communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to maintain program integrity. Dumlao encouraged citizens to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in identifying potential fraud cases.
"Hinihikayat po namin ang publiko na maging mapagmatyag at i-report ang anumang kahina-hinalang gawain sa ating mga kapulisan o sa kahit anong law enforcement agency para mapanatili ang integridad ng mga programa ng DSWD," she added.
This crackdown aligns with the government's commitment to ensuring social welfare resources reach their intended recipients while maintaining fiscal responsibility and program credibility across the archipelago.