INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno warned the public and local government units on Thursday against impostors using his name to extort money from unscrupulous politicians in exchange for the resolution of pending cases before the department.
“Beware of con-men who pose as the DILG secretary or his staff and extort money from you,” Sueno said. “I will not destroy the trust of President Duterte or besmirch my own name just to extort money or other illegal activities.”
Sueno said they had received a report from a congressman that certain individuals approached two mayors whose municipalities did not receive fire trucks from the DILG and purportedly asked for P50,000 as downpayment for the purchase of the fire trucks.
He also said a suspended mayor reported that he shelled out P300,000 to an individual who claimed he would take care of his case at the DILG.