Barangay Treasurer Accused of Using Public Funds for Scatter Games
SCATTER – A barangay in Sarangani Province is under fire after nearly ₱600,000 in public funds were allegedly spent on online scatter gambling.
An alleged misuse of public funds has rocked Barangay Calpidong in the municipality of Glan, Sarangani Province, after close to ₱600,000 in barangay funds was reportedly lost to online gambling.
According to Barangay Captain Hipoliti Alicer, the missing amount involved barangay funds that were allegedly used by the barangay treasurer for online gambling activities, commonly known as “scatter.” Alicer said the suspected withdrawals began as early as August 2025 and continued over time without immediately raising red flags.
The barangay captain explained that the funds were withdrawn through an online banking application. What made the situation more complicated, he said, was that the bank’s verification codes were being sent directly to his mobile phone. This setup was allegedly exploited by the treasurer, allowing unauthorized access to the barangay’s account.
Because of the trust he had placed in his fellow official, Alicer admitted that he did not initially suspect that the barangay’s funds were being misused. It was only later that the alleged irregularities came to light, following a request from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) for funding for barangay programs sometime last year. When the SK failed to receive the requested funds, a review of the account revealed that the money had already been withdrawn.
The discovery prompted immediate concern within the barangay council, as the missing funds were intended for essential services and community programs. Alicer stressed that he has no involvement in the disappearance of the money and vowed to personally lead the filing of criminal charges against the barangay treasurer to ensure accountability and clear his name.
At present, the Barangay Calpidong Council is preparing the necessary legal complaints to be filed against the involved official. The incident has also raised questions about internal controls and safeguards in handling public funds at the barangay level.
Meanwhile, the financial impact on the barangay has been severe. From an estimated ₱600,000, only about ₱14,000 remains in the barangay’s coffers, an amount now being stretched to cover daily operational expenses. Local officials hope that legal action will help recover the lost funds and restore public trust in the barangay’s leadership.
READ ALSO: Man Injured in Kabankalan City After Dispute Over Online Gambling Game ‘Scatter’
