DOLE warns public against livelihood, emergency aid fraud

April 6, 2019 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is warning the public against unscrupulous groups and individuals using the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) to defraud money from those who are looking to avail of the assistance.
In a statement, an advisory issued by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that his office received reports of irregularities in the implementation of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP), particularly the collection and solicitation of money from would-be beneficiaries by using the department’s beneficiary profile.
“Please be advised that the DOLE does not authorize any individual or group to collect or solicit money to avail of assistance under the DILEEP,” Bello said in a statement.
“We strongly condemn such practice, and recommend the public not to respond to such solicitations,” he added. Bello said they are not asking for membership and transaction fees in facilitating the processing of pre and post-project implementation documents under the program.
Bello urged the public to report any fraudulent incident or any information on the unscrupulous individual or groups to the regional, provincial or field office in their area.
DILEEP is supervised by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) that provides additional income and alternative employment to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers.
DOLE-CAR Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman said it is unfortunate that some elements of society, whether individuals or groups, would use the DOLE or any other government agency, for their own gain at the expense of others.
“I appeal to the public to report unscrupulous groups and individuals using the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) to defraud money from those who are looking to avail of the assistance.” Guzman added.
 
Patrick Rillorta with reports from DOLE IPS/ABN