DSWD TO INVESTIGATE AICS PROGRAM LINKS TO CHA-CHA MOVES

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Extending courtesy to presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos and opposition Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday vowed to investigate reports that their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program is being used to gather signatures for a people’s initiative (PI) to push for charter change (Cha-Cha).

Gatchalian told reporters that he plans to meet with Sen. Marcos and Rep. Manuel, who have earlier claimed that they have received reports that the government’s ayuda programs are being used for Cha-Cha undertaking.

“Sisiguraduhin ko na iimbestigahan namin,” Gatchalian quipped.

However, he pointed out that the guidelines for availing of the AICS have not changed.

“Ina-assure namin ang taumbayan na ang AICS Program, at ang lahat ng program ng DSWD, yung guidelines niya, walang dinaragdag. Kung ano lang ang requirements noon katulad ng basic identification, social worker intake, mananatili na yun lamang ang requirements,” Gatchalian said.

He added: “Wala kaming dinaragdag na bagong mga requirements na paglahok sa kung anu-anong initiative.”

(el Amigo/MNM)