The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday stressed that it is unlawful to reproduce the social amelioration cards (SAC) provided by the government under the Bayanihan cash subsidy to the poorest of the poor affected sector by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya said that the social amelioration forms cannot be “xeroxed or duplicated because these are pre-numbered and barcoded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’’.
He warned that those caught photocopying the SAC forms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As the government ensures the orderly distribution of the financial aid, Malaya has warned the public about the fraudulent social amelioration forms.
He emphasized that the social amelioration forms are not for sale and may not be reproduced even by the LGUs or any groups.
Malaya noted that Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act mandates the provision of emergency subsidy to around 18 million low-income households.
He said that the subsidy ranges from P5,000 to P8,000 depending on the minimum wage of the concerned LGU.
On orders of the President, Malaya said the distribution of the assistance is under the full control and supervision of the DSWD which may seek the assistance of the LGUs together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in handing out the subsidies. (Chito A. Chavez)