Metro Manila, Philippines – Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has vowed strict enforcement of the department’s “Anti-Epal policy,” which was included in the budget law, and that no politician will be allowed to participate or be present in the distribution of government financial assistance.
In a briefing on Monday, Jan. 12, Gatchalian said the ban on politicians during payouts will be explicitly stated in the department’s guidelines for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), adopting provisions previously included in a joint memorandum circular for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
“May explicit provision doon na kapag the act of payouts dapat wala talagang mga politiko,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: There is an explicit provision there that payouts are ongoing, there must be no politicians]
“So, first things first is to get that provision and explicitly move it to the memo circular for AICS,” he added.
He said the policy applies not only to AICS but to all DSWD aid programs, including the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Emergency Cash Transfers.
The secretary said social workers will serve as the main line of defense against political interference, underscoring their professional independence in assessing and approving assistance.
“These professionals will not allow themselves to be used for the political gains of anybody,” he said.
“Ultimo social worker pa rin ang magdi-determine kung one, dapat ba bigyan o hindi bigyan; pangalawa, kung magkano ang ibibigay. Even in the department nobody can overrule their recommendations,” the chief added.
[Translation: Social workers will determine if one, will the aid be released, and two, how much would be released. Even in the department nobody can overrule their recommendation.]
Despite the ban, some politicians still announce aid distributions on social media, linking their name to the government financial aid.
Gatchalian said the department can only control its ranks.
“I can only answer what we control, which is kami [us],” he said, adding that no one can commit the funds of the department because it is “needs-based.”
The secretary reiterated that all aid requests undergo a social case intake conducted by social workers, who assess the beneficiary’s situation and determine eligibility.
To prevent violations on the ground, Gatchalian said DSWD personnel will not proceed with payouts if politicians are present at distribution sites.
Citing provisions already stated in DSWD memorandum circulars, the secretary also said operations and distribution can be stopped if politicians arrive unexpectedly during an ongoing payout.
Asked whether there should be a law imposing penalties on politicians who violate the rule, Gatchalian said he would leave the matter to Congress.
