CEBU, July 21 (PIA) --- The Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) has cautioned the public, particularly local government
units, against individuals posing as Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch”
Abad or representatives of the budget agency who allegedly request money
in exchange for the release of supposed project funds.
DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad in
a press statement said that it was brought to their attention that fraudulent
phone calls have been made to various LGUs and the public as well.
“According to reports we’ve so far received, these callers have either been posing as me or as DBM representatives, and they always ask for kickbacks or payments in exchange for fund releases," said Abad.
Some of the municipalities and cities
whose mayors were reportedly approached by these unscrupulous individuals
include: Maragusan, Compostela Valley; Ragay, Camarines Sur; San Luis, Aurora;
and Loreto, Dinagat Province.
All of the mayors approached had
reported each of their incidents to DBM.
“We do not tolerate fraud or bribery.
Our position is strong and clear: irregularities should not have a place in any
part of the budget process,” Abad stressed.
He asked the public and the local
governments to be vigilant against impersonators.
“Please reach out to my office or to your local DBM officials if you have received phone calls of this nature,” he said.
Under the Aquino administration, Abad said DBM continues to pursue reforms that will introduce greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public spending, including the General Appropriations Act (GAA)-as-Release-Document policy.
“Most budget items have already been released at the very beginning of the year, thanks to the GAA-as-Release-Document policy. In cases where fund releases are not automatic, all that we require of agencies is sufficient documentation to warrant the release. Often, we ask agencies to present a comprehensive project plan and other pertinent details on the implementation of a particular project. Money changing hands should not—and do not—influence government spending,” Abad said.
DBM is currently coordinating with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) with the DBM Regional Offices (ROs) working directly with the individual municipalities and cities to alert their members to fraudulent DBM transactions.
“We want to assure the mayors and vice-mayors that we are currently investigating the matter with the intent of resolving the issue swiftly and in the name of justice, transparency, and accountability,” Abad said.
LGUs or individuals who have received suspicious requests or communications specifically from people posing as DBM employees are urged to report them immediately to the nearest DBM Regional Office, or the Office of the Secretary via publicinfo@dbm.gov.ph, or at 02-791-2000, loc. 2602 (Public Information Unit) or 2301 (Office of the Chief-of-Staff). (rmn/PIA7-Cebu/DBM OSEC-Public Information Unit)