DSWD6 chief: no place for fixers, to face charges

Iloilo City-The regional director of DSWD Field Office VI issued a warning that fixers will not be tolerated by DSWD Field Office VI and that cases will be filed against them if ever arrested.

This warning came after one person was entrapped in an operation spearheaded by the PNP which resulted in the arrest of a believed fixer in the agency’s implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) at GT Molo, Iloilo City.

“Wala sang lugar ang mga fixers sa DSWD. Ang maghimo sang amo sini nga pang biktima sa mga tawo paga kasuhan sang amon ahensya,” said Atty. Carmelo Nochete, regional director.

According to the director, the agency has already filed a criminal case against the alleged fixer.

This announcement also came with the unexpected influx of clients seeking assistance under AICS, a first in the recent years since the number of clients has always been manageable over the years.

Under the law, a fixer is defined as any individual whether or not officially involved in the operation of a government office or agency who has access to people working therein, and whether or not in collusion with them, facilitates speedy completion of transactions for pecuniary gain or any other advantage or consideration.

Fixers, if proven guilty, shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment, fine or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

For those fixing and/or collusion with fixers in consideration of economic and/or other gain or advantage, administrative liability and criminal liability of dismissal from the service, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits and imprisonment of one year to six years with a fine of not less than P500,000.00, but not more than Two million pesos.

“Those who are seeking to avail of the services are already in crisis situation because of either need for medication, hospitalization, burial or other crisis situation. To take advantage of their situation when they are at their lowest points of their lives is intolerable and contemptible,” stressed Director Nochete./dswd6