Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman warned the public about scammers posing as DBM officials.
“These impostors shamelessly exploit public trust, falsely representing themselves as DBM officials,” Pangandaman said. “Their actions not only tarnish our institution’s integrity but also harm unsuspecting individuals.”
The budget chief urged citizens to exercise utmost caution and diligence when approached by individuals claiming DBM affiliation.
She emphasized the vital importance of reporting any suspicious activities promptly to the 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,” she added.
NBI agents recently arrested DBM poseurs during an entrapment operation in Mandaluyong City.
It was earlier discovered that one of the suspects had posed as a DBM Undersecretary, claiming authority over special projects within the agency.
The suspects allegedly promised several individuals P1.3 billion worth of government projects. However, after verifying with the DBM, they found no record of the alleged officer or project in the agency’s official records.
The DBM reported the matter to the NBI organized the entrapment operation.
The suspects were apprehended at a restaurant after accepting marked money totaling P500,000.
Jerome Bomediano, Chief of the NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, said that estafa charges will be filed against the DBM scammers.
Bomediano urged the public to promptly report any encounters with individuals or groups claiming high positions within the government.
Reports or complaints can be lodged via the DBM public assistance office email address: public_assistance@dbm.gov.ph, the hotline 8657-3300 local 2521, or through the Usapang Budget Natin’s Facebook page.
Similar concerns can also be directly reported to the NBI via their trunkline at (02) 8523-8231 to 38.