The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) warns the public, especially people in the Ilocos Region, against circulating fake advertisements of their program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
Labor and Employment Secretary Buenvenido Laguesma personally went to DZRH Newscenter on Tuesday to falsify the posts circulating online offering cash assistance to students, government, and private schools under DOLE's TUPAD program.
The fake advertisements are said to be offering P6,000–P8,000 in cash assistance for college, junior high, and senior high school students, including elementary.
Laguesma said some posts have links where people who are interested should sign up for applications, which could lead them to a scam.
"Binigyan ko na po ng direktiba ang lahat ng regional directors na makipag-ugnayan po sa local NBI at local PNP cybercrime division na tulungan kami at hanapin po ito yung mga nagpopost ng ganitong klaseng advetisement na nakakapinsala sa isang magandang programa," Laguesma stressed.
Laguesma said that there is a proper process for joining any programs of DOLE, which are all free.
Meanwhile, the DOLE Secretary also warned government officials who were involved in the fraudulent act.
"Hindi po tama na tayo ginagamit natin ang ating katungkulan sa pamamagitan po ng pagsasamantala sa ating mga kababayan," said Laguesma.
DOLE earlier released an advisory encouraging the public to report in any offices of DOLE any malicious posts related to their programs.
