Senate panel seeks to shield aid distribution from politicsMANILA, Philippines — The Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development is pushing to simplify access to government aid and shield its distribution from political influence, as it deliberates a measure seeking to institutionalize the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Tulfo also called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to speed up the dissemination of guidelines reiterating that elected officials are barred from intervening in aid distribution. “The 2026 General Appropriations Act clearly states that the presence of politicians in aid distribution is not allowed. Act on it quickly because elections are approaching, and our fellow citizens fear aid will be used for politicking again,” he said. The committee is expected to continue deliberations on the bill as lawmakers weigh safeguards to ensure that social assistance reaches beneficiaries without additional bureaucratic or political hurdles.
