Budget chief warns of scammers posing as DBM officials

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman warned the public against scammers who pose as Department of Budget and Management officials.

Pangandaman’s warning comes after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) caught eight individuals allegedly pretending to be DBM officials in Mandaluyong City last March 26.

According to Pangandaman, the individuals were caught swindling victims through fake promises of securing funds or projects from the agency, in exchange for huge sums of money.

Before the arrest, authorities discovered that one of the suspects had posed as a DBM Undersecretary and claimed authority over special projects within the agency.

The suspects then lured one complainant by promising P1.3 billion worth of projects.

However, the complainant conducted an initial verification with the DBM and found no record of the supposed officer or project in the DBM’s official records.

The DBM then immediately coordinated with the NBI to organize the entrapment operation.

The suspects were nabbed at a restaurant after accepting marked money totaling P500,000 from the NBI.

“These impostors shamelessly exploit public trust, falsely representing themselves as DBM officials,” she said.

“Their actions not only tarnish our institution’s integrity but also harm unsuspecting individuals,” Pangandaman added.

Pangandaman urged the public to exercise utmost caution and diligence when approached by individuals claiming to be DBM officials.

The budget chief further urged citizens to report any suspicious activities immediately to authorities.

“We will not tolerate such egregious deception,” Pangandaman said. “I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any encounters with these impostors immediately.”

In an interview, NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division Chief Atty. Jerome Bomediano revealed that the apprehended individuals would be charged with estafa under Revised Penal Code 135 and Usurpation of Authority under Revised Penal Code 177.

Bomediano also urged the public to promptly report any encounters with individuals or groups falsely claiming high positions within the government. — DVM, GMA Integrated News