Scammers Victimize Duterte Supporters, Asking for Money in Exchange of RevGov Positions

Some supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte have been victims of scammers who pose as advocates of federalism promise them to be appointed in the supposed RevGov (revolutionary government) in exchange of cash. This is despite the fact that the president has frequently announced that there is no need for him to declare RevGov. (NOTE: Image for presentation use only.)



According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-In-Charge Catalino Cuy on Thursday, December 1, the scammers are now spreading around the country, and are targeting Duterte supporters who want to have a local government position once the President Duterte has declared RevGov, or a federal government.

“Numerous reports have reached the central and field offices regarding various groups masquerading to be affiliated or permitted by the government or by the DILG to campaign for federalism or RevGov and claiming that they could have people appointed to local positions.” Cuy was quoted as saying during a meeting with all DILG Regional Directors.

"I urge all DILG field officers to be vigilant and proactive and to immediately warn all barangay captains and local government officials in their respective jurisdictions of the scams being perpetrated by these unscrupulous individuals," DILG Assistant Secretary for Communications and Capacity Development Jonathan E. Malaya said last Wednesday.

“Nakakalungkot na may mga kababayan tayong sumasakay sa pederalismo para makapanlinlang at nagpapanggap na inatasan sila ng DILG o ng Pangulo na mangampanya kaugnay sa pederalismo, he added, noting that scammers are not in Metro Manila, but are also in Cagayan Valley, Cotabato, Samar, Batangas, among others.

“Wala pong katotohanang magtatalaga ang DILG ng OICs sa kahit anumang local government positions. Kapag hiningan kayo ng pera o anumang bagay o pabor, magtaka na po kayo at agad ipaalam ang mga grupong ito sa pinakamalapit na DILG field office sa inyong lugar,” he added, advising the public to immediately report them to any suspicious person.



Last week, Epimaco Densing III, DILG Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs, said that a certain Atty. Jose Roa Matias II, who has been claiming to be a lawyer and a relative President Duterte, is a one of the leaders of the group of scammers. According to him, they have confirmed that Matias is not a lawyer, and neither a relative of the president.

Contributed by Salvi Dalida