Residents seeking medical aid, scholarships, hospital assistance and other government services are being urged to verify the identities of individuals claiming to represent public officials or government agencies amid reports of impersonation and unauthorized collection of money.
Councilor Harry Eran is pushing for a city council resolution condemning the use of government officials’ names, photographs, offices or supposed influence to deceive residents and solicit payments in exchange for assistance.
The proposed measure also seeks to raise awareness of precautions people should take when approached by individuals offering to facilitate government transactions, particularly those involving urgent medical or financial needs.
It cites an Oct. 21, 2026, news report on the arrest of an individual identified as Christian De Asis by the National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office.
According to the report cited in the resolution, De Asis allegedly posed as a staff member or employee of several government offices and agencies, including the office of a member of the House of Representatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health.
He allegedly solicited and received money from several individuals in connection with purported medical assistance, hospital transactions, scholarships, bail and assistance for persons deprived of liberty.
The resolution notes that the reported acts, if established through evidence, may constitute violations of criminal and special laws.
It also clarifies that determining the possible offenses rests with investigating and prosecuting authorities.
Citing the vulnerability of people seeking urgent assistance, the proposal warns against individuals who exploit their need for public services by falsely claiming to be authorized government representatives.
It stresses that residents should access government assistance through official channels and personnel and should not be required to pay unauthorized intermediaries for information, referrals, processing or access to public services.
Under the proposed measure, residents are encouraged to transact directly with the government office concerned or its officially designated assistance desk.
They are also advised to verify the identity, position and authority of anyone claiming to work for or represent a public official or government agency.
The resolution further urges residents to refuse demands for unauthorized processing, transportation, information, facilitation or transaction fees as a condition for receiving government assistance.
Those who encounter suspicious transactions are encouraged to keep receipts, text messages, social media conversations, photographs, recordings, identification cards and other documents that may help establish what happened.
They may report suspected impersonation, extortion, fraud or unauthorized solicitation to the NBI, Philippine National Police, concerned government agency or nearest prosecutor’s office.
Complaints involving matters within its jurisdiction may also be brought before the Office of the Ombudsman.
If approved, copies of the resolution would be furnished to the NBI-Cebu District Office, Cebu City Police Office, DSWD, DOH, concerned congressional district offices and other government agencies for their information and appropriate action.
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