Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expedite the issuance of new guidelines on the distribution of financial assistance programs in compliance with the ‘anti-epal’ provision of the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“The DSWD must issue the guidelines as soon as possible because the law (GAA) is already in effect. This would help ensure that financial assistance, such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), remains free from political interference,” Gatchalian said, adding that the guidelines should reflect Section 19 of the law. 

Section 19 refers to a provision in the GAA that prohibits political involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance. Under this provision, all cash assistance and other forms of financial aid distribution shall be carried out exclusively by authorized government officers and personnel or accredited partners. 

“You need to come up with mandatory requirements, protocols, and reporting mechanisms. Kailangan na ng bagong guidelines para malinaw at naka-ayon sa section 19 ng GAA,” the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance told DSWD officials during a recent Senate hearing. 

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN