By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 has issued another warning that no individual or group is authorized to take any portion of the financial assistance intended for beneficiaries.
In a statement Thursday, DSWD-6 said it received reports that some individuals and groups have been deducting from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) funds given to recipients.
Therese Fely Legaste, DSWD-6 regional information officer, said the reports are still being verified.
“For now, our Legal Department is investigating. We are validating who is involved and where the incidents happened. We cannot confirm if those responsible are from the barangay or the local government unit,” she said.
Legaste stressed that DSWD financial aid must be received in full by beneficiaries.
The AICS program is one of the government’s initiatives to provide immediate and temporary aid to individuals and families in crisis.
It serves as a stop-gap measure offering financial, emotional, and psychosocial support to those affected by unexpected life events.
The program helps meet basic needs such as food, transportation, medical care, education, and burial expenses.
Legaste emphasized that the agency is nonpartisan and does not endorse any political figure or group.
“We don’t endorse anyone. Claims that a politician can delist or remove a beneficiary from the program are false. Only DSWD has the authority to do so,” she said.
However, she clarified that delisting is only possible if a beneficiary violates program rules or is no longer eligible.
