DBM warns public against scam using Pangandaman’s name

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Friday cautioned the public against scammers posing as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) employees and using her name to solicit money.

“We strongly condemn this kind of deception. No one is authorized by the DBM to solicit or collect money for any transaction,” Pangandaman said, urging the public to immediately report such attempts to authorities.

The warning came after reports that two individuals—identified as Mariz Luna and Lilian Jordan—approached local government units, claiming ties with the DBM. They allegedly offered LGUs a share in a fictitious P1-billion “reward” from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in exchange for a P10-million advance payment.

The DBM confirmed that the suspects are not connected with the agency, calling the scheme “exploitative and illegal.” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also denied the existence of such a reward program, stressing that the bureau does not engage in transactions requiring advance payments.

The DBM said it is working with other agencies to track down those behind the scam, while assuring whistleblowers that their identities will remain confidential.

Reports of fraudulent schemes may be lodged through the DBM Community Relations Office hotline at 8657-3300 local 2524 or via email at public_assistance@dbm.gov.ph.