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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
January 12, 2026 | 4:37pm
Individuals line up to receive cash aid from the national government during enhanced community quarantine at a basketball court in Manila on August 11, 2021.
AFP / Jam Sta Rosa
MANILA, Philippines — How does the government make sure that politicians will not hijack "ayuda" or aid distribution events? The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will simply not show up to the venue.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed the new provision in the law banning political involvement in financial aid programs, meaning that politicians are barred from participating in payout activities.
He said, however, that enforcement of the policy would depend on agency-level guidelines.
Asked during a briefing on Monday, January 12 whether politicians who attend payout events would face penalties, Gatchalian said the department would instead withdraw its personnel.
“I will not allow the paymasters and our social workers to go there if there is a politician. I think that is a proactive measure. We will not appear there, we will not go, because like I said, these are professionals, they will not allow themselves to be used by anybody,” Gatchalian said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Gatchalian said that if a politician suddenly shows up at a payout event, the department can stop the activity altogether.
Referrals, limits of enforcement
The DSWD secretary said the agency cannot prevent politicians from resharing posts online that call attention to upcoming aid distribution events. The department, after all, does not control politicians' social media activities.
He also stressed that individuals seeking assistance will be accommodated whether or not they have a referral letter.
Referral letters come not only from politicians, Gatchalian said, but also from public service television programs, churches, homeowner associations, and other groups.
While referrals are allowed, he said it remains the responsibility of DSWD social workers to assess each case and determine the appropriate form of assistance.
