DSWD vows to enforce 'anti-epal' rules in aid distribution

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday vowed that the agency would be proactive in enforcing rules prohibiting politicians from distributing any form of government aid.

During a press briefing, Gatchalian said that while he is confident in the professionalism of DSWD social workers, he would not allow them to go to distribution sites if politicians are present.

"Hindi ko papupuntahin iyong mga paymaster namin at iyong mga social worker namin habang nandoon iyong mga politiko (I will not send our paymasters or our social workers to distribution sites while politicians are present)—I think that’s a proactive measure," Gatchalian said.

"Hindi kami a-appear doon, hindi kami pupunta doon kasi tulad ng sinabi ko (We will not appear there, we will not go there, because, as I said) these are professionals, they will not allow themselves to be used by anybody," he added.

and they will not allow themselves to be used by anyone," Gatchalian said.

He added that the DSWD has the authority to halt aid distribution if politicians suddenly appear during operations.

"Di ba kapag biglang nag-gatecrash we can stop. Pero huwag na natin paabutin sa ganoon kasi malalagay naman sa alanganin iyong gumawa noon," he said.

(If they suddenly gatecrash, we can stop it. But let’s not let it get to that point, because the people involved could be put in an awkward situation.)

"There are provisions already stated in our memo circulars to that effect. Pero kami we’ll make sure na hindi kami pupunta kapag may politiko," Gatchalian added.

When President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12314, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) outlining the national government’s P6.793-trillion budget for 2026, he stated that politicians would be barred from distributing financial aid, saying, “we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage.”

An “anti-epal” special provision was included in the law to prevent politicians from using government programs, projects, or funds to promote themselves to the public.

The word “epal” is Filipino slang for someone who seeks attention or recognition in an inappropriate or self-serving way.

In politics, it usually refers to officials who take credit for government projects to boost their public image or electoral appeal.—MCG, GMA Integrated News