DSWD to probe alleged use of AICS program in Cha-cha

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will investigate reports that their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS Program is being used to gather signatures for a people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.

In an ambush interview on Friday, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters that he plans to meet with Senator Imee Marcos and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel, who have earlier said that they have received reports that the government’s ayuda programs are being used for Charter change undertaking.

“Sisiguraduhin ko na iimbestigahan namin,” Gatchalian said.

[I will make sure that we will look into this.]

He clarified that the guidelines for availing the AICS have not changed.

“Ina-assure namin ang taumbayan na ang AICS Program, at ang lahat ng program ng DSWD, yung guidelines niya, walang dinaragdag. Kung ano lang ang requirements noon katulad ng basic identification, social worker intake, mananatili na yun lamang ang requirements,” Gatchalian explained.

[We assure the public that the AICS program and all DSWD programs, their guidelines have not changed. The requirements like basic identification, social worker intake, they will remain.]

“Wala kaming dinaragdag na bagong mga requirements na paglahok sa kung anu-anong initiative,” he added.

[We have not added any requirements to participate in any kind of initiative.]

When asked if he plans to also meet with Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to discuss the ongoing signature campaign in local governments, Gatchalian said they already discussed the matter on Thursday.

“Pinag-usapan na nga namin na we’ll make sure na yung mga programa ng pamahalaan natin ay susunod sa alituntunin ng batas at ng mga guidelines na nandiyan na,” Gatchalian said.

[We talked and agreed to make sure that whatever government programs should be within the bounds of the law and within existing guidelines.] — RSJ, GMA Integrated News