2 weeks ago
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CEBU CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has filed a criminal complaint against a foundation led by a Cebu gubernatorial candidate for allegedly soliciting donations without the required government permits.
The complaint names Pamela Baricuatro, who is running for governor in Cebu province, and her daughter Elisse Nicole Catalan, executive director of SimplyShare Foundation Inc.
DSWD-7 filed the case on April 8, 2025, before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office for violations of Presidential Decree 1564 or the Solicitation Permit Law, in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero, the complainant, said the prosecutor's office is currently reviewing the complaint-affidavit and supporting documents to ensure compliance with filing requirements.
She said the legal action serves as a warning to social welfare and development agencies operating without permits.
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"They will face the full force of the law if they continue with this illegal practice," Lucero said.
Lucero also urged the public to verify the legitimacy of organizations through the DSWD's Kaagapay Donations Portal and to check if these groups have valid credentials from the agency's Standards Bureau.
DSWD Standards Bureau director Megan Manahan said their office received reports that SimplyShare had been conducting public solicitations for years even without a regional or national permit.
She said administrative cases are also being prepared against the group.
Although SimplyShare is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and accredited by the DSWD, it only obtained its License to Operate in January 2025.
A certification dated March 25, 2025, signed by Lucero, confirmed that SimplyShare did not have a solicitation permit at the time it accepted donations, including during post-Typhoon Odette relief efforts in 2021.
Among the questioned activities were a P1 million donation from the Philippine Navy in 2022 and the use of Baricuatro's personal GCash account to collect funds.
Baricuatro said she and her legal team are studying the complaint and questioned why activities during Typhoon Odette are being singled out, despite similar efforts by other civic groups at the time.
She said she will respond in due course and emphasized the important role of NGOs in nation-building.
Catalan, who now heads the foundation after Baricuatro stepped down to file her candidacy, said the Typhoon Odette donation drive was a volunteer-led initiative.
