Manila, Aug. 17 -- Malacanang on Monday urged the public to report any abuse or irregularity in the selection of beneficiaries under the Presidential Scholars program to ensure that assistance reaches deserving students.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remarks amid reports circulating on social media involving the child of a barangay official allegedly being selected as a scholar.

Funded by the Socio-Civic Projects Fund, the initiative provides PHP20,000 cash assistance to five graduating college students from every barangay who face the risk of dropping out due to lack of financial resources.

The selection, according to Castro, is undertaken by barangay officials, together with the Sangguniang Barangay's education committ...