THE Lingap para sa Mahirap Center is strictly monitoring any financial assistance request coming from fixers.
Lingap officer-in-charge Josephine Mitaran said on Thursday, June 6, 2019, that the center had filed and imprisoned two fixers for the past two years.
Mitaran said four different cases happened inside the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), wherein fixers would approach those who recently gave birth who have no immediate family or husband accompanying them.
She said the fixer pledged to process the necessary documents for them to avail of the assistance from the center in exchange of a processing fee of P500.
However, she said the center was immediate to respond when the fixer approached the office.
“We evaluated him and we found out that his surname doesn't match with that of the patient. This person also cannot answer some questions from our social worker,” the Lingap officer said, adding that the office denied his application.
The fixer, who is from Pantukan, was arrested after the SPMC filed a police blotter to the Buhangin Police Station, and was arrested during a police operation.
Another fixer, who lives in Panabo, was also arrested victimizing similar victims.
Mitaran clarified that women in maternity is not covered by the city's financial assistance, based on the signed Executive Order No. 7 of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in 2018.
She also said only those immediate relative or family members are allowed to process the assistance in behalf of the patient.
“Sakit sa part sa government na naghatag ta og hinabang sa mga kabos, tapos ginabinuangan ra ta (The government is saddened that some individuals are taking advantage of the financial assistance we give to the less privileged),” Mitaran said.
She then reminded the public not to patronize any transaction from fixers, as prohibited by the Anti-Red Tape Act.
The Lingap para sa Mahirap Program was implemented by the Davao City Government to provide medical and funeral assistance to indigent residents of the city. (RGL)