DBM Alerts Public to Beware of Fraudulent Individuals Impersonating Agency Officials

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued a stern warning to the public about individuals falsely claiming to be DBM officials or employees in an attempt to solicit money or other financial benefits. The agency clarified that no one is authorized to demand money, goods, or favors in return for speeding up transactions or processing funding requests. In a statement released on Thursday, the DBM emphasized, “We would like to stress that we will never authorize any individual or group to solicit money, goods, or favors in exchange for facilitating transactions.” The department also made it clear that it will not condone any form of misrepresentation, which is considered a violation of the law. The DBM urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior. Complaints can be directed to the DBM’s Community Relations Office at 8657-3300, extension 2524, or via email at [email protected]. The DBM assured that all reports would be treated with confidentiality. This warning comes after an incident last March in Mandaluyong City, where eight individuals were apprehended for impersonating DBM officials. They had promised a project contractor access to government projects valued at PHP1.3 billion, contingent on the payment of ‘grease money.’