The alleged scandal involving the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program has yet to gain traction at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), despite calls for an investigation by opposition board members.
Board Member Benjie Arcamo, speaking on Dec. 23, 2024, said he and other opposition members had made efforts to push for a probe into allegations of fund misappropriation in the AICS program allegedly perpetrated by the office of Gov. Aris Aumentado.
However, their attempts to have the issue calendared for discussion by the SP’s Committee of the Whole have been unsuccessful.
Arcamo claimed that Vice Governor Tita Baja, who presides over the SP, has not scheduled a hearing that could provide clarity on the controversy.
The issue has now been pending for more than six months, with little progress made beyond the dismissal of two suspects implicated in the alleged anomaly.
“The executive department requested time to conduct its own investigation, but that process has taken too long,” Arcamo said.
The scandal reportedly involves claims that some AICS beneficiaries, who were entitled to receive P10,000 in aid, only received P3,000.
The remaining P7,000 allegedly went missing, or pocketed by Aumentado’s cohorts.
Frustration has grown among the public as the SP has yet to formally address the matter, despite privilege speeches delivered by board members addressing the issue.
In the meantime, Arcamo has assumed the role of acting vice governor, as Vice Governor Baja has stepped in as acting governor while Governor Aris Aumentado is reportedly out of the country.
The controversy continues to cast a shadow over the SP, with stakeholders and constituents calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of the AICS program.