The Senate panel led by Senator Erwin Tulfo is pushing to simplify government aid distribution and stop political interference.
During a hearing on his bill to institutionalize the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, Tulfo said requirements would be cut to just two, scrapping documents like barangay indigency forms and marriage contracts. For medical aid, only a valid ID and hospital bill would be needed.
Tulfo said excessive requirements allow politicians to meddle in aid distribution, forcing beneficiaries to seek barangay certifications often bearing officials’ names and photos.
At present, applicants must submit multiple documents, including a certificate of indigency, barangay clearance, affidavits, and social case study reports.
The DSWD said the AICS may be elevated into a bureau if the bill becomes law to improve staffing and implementation.
Tulfo also urged the DILG to quickly enforce the 2026 General Appropriations Act ban on politicians’ presence in aid distribution, warning against “epal” practices as elections near.
The DILG has since issued a memo barring names and photos of officials on government-funded projects.IMT
