Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday vowed strict enforcement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s “Anti-Epal policy,” stressing that no politician will be allowed to participate in or be present during the distribution of government financial assistance.
In a January 12 briefing, Gatchalian said the ban will be clearly stated in the guidelines for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), adopting provisions earlier applied to 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.
“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 covers all DSWD aid programs, including AICS, the Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Emergency Cash Transfers.
Gatchalian underscored that social workers will be the frontline defense against political interference, noting 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,” he added.
While some politicians continue to announce aid distributions online, Gatchalian said the department can only regulate its own personnel.
“I can only answer what we control, which is kami,” he said, adding that DSWD funds are strictly “needs-based.”
He reiterated that all aid requests undergo social case intake and evaluation by social workers. To prevent violations, Gatchalian said payouts will not proceed if politicians are present, and operations may be stopped if politicians arrive during ongoing distributions.
On whether penalties should be imposed on violators, Gatchalian said the matter should be decided by Congress.