By Darryl John Esguerra

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) warned the public against persons purportedly posing as officials or employees of the agency to solicit money or other financial favors.
The DBM said no one is authorized to ask for money, goods, or favors in exchange for expediting transactions or requests for funds.
“Nais naming bigyang-diin na hindi kami kailanman magbibigay ng otoridad sa kahit sinong indibidwal o grupo para humingi ng pera, goods o pabor kapalit ng pagpapadali ng mga transaksyon (We would like to emphasize that we will never give authority to any individual or group to ask for money, goods or favors in exchange for facilitating transactions),” the DBM said in an advisory Thursday.
“Hindi po namin, sa kahit anong paraan, pahihintulutan ang anumang maling representasyon dahil ito ay malinaw na paglabas sa batas (We will not, in any way, tolerate any misrepresentation as this is a clear departure from the law),” it added.
The DBM encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Complaints may be coursed through the DBM’s Community Relations Office phone number 8657-3300, extension 2524, or e-mail address public_assistance@dbm.gov.ph.
All reports will be kept confidential, the DBM assured.
In March last year, eight persons pretending to be officials and employees of the DBM were arrested in an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City.
The suspects promised the victim, who is a project contractor, access to some PHP1.3 billion worth of government projects and assured that projects will be awarded to the victim’s firm in exchange of “grease money.” (PNA)