House approves on final reading bill seeking to institutionalize AICS
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House approves on final reading bill seeking to institutionalize AICS
A government employee speaks to people lining up at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office in Quezon City on August 20, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File
A government employee speaks to people lining up at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office in Quezon City on August 20, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA -- A measure seeking to institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) hurdled the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
MANILA -- A measure seeking to institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) hurdled the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
With a unanimous vote from 176 congressmen, the lower chamber approved on third and final reading House Bill 11395 or the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act.
With a unanimous vote from 176 congressmen, the lower chamber approved on third and final reading House Bill 11395 or the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act.
The measure seeks to provide qualified beneficiaries with financial, medical, transportation, food, material and other forms of assistance available in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, based on the assessment of the agency's social workers.
The measure seeks to provide qualified beneficiaries with financial, medical, transportation, food, material and other forms of assistance available in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, based on the assessment of the agency's social workers.
Under the bill, it shall be unlawful for officials and employees of local government units, their agents, representatives or relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, to interfere, in any manner, in the implementation or delivery of AICS services to qualified beneficiaries.
Under the bill, it shall be unlawful for officials and employees of local government units, their agents, representatives or relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, to interfere, in any manner, in the implementation or delivery of AICS services to qualified beneficiaries.
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It shall also be unlawful to defraud the government by presenting falsified or misleading documents, or other fraudulent acts to acquire AICS assistance.
It shall also be unlawful to defraud the government by presenting falsified or misleading documents, or other fraudulent acts to acquire AICS assistance.
Coercing or encouraging persons to seek assistance from the DSWD for the purpose of acquiring from the beneficiary a portion of the assistance is punishable. So is misleading an individual to join, pay or cooperate with a group falsely representing affiliations with the DSWD, or falsely promising priority in the processing of assistance.
Coercing or encouraging persons to seek assistance from the DSWD for the purpose of acquiring from the beneficiary a portion of the assistance is punishable. So is misleading an individual to join, pay or cooperate with a group falsely representing affiliations with the DSWD, or falsely promising priority in the processing of assistance.
The bill recommends imprisonment as a penalty. The period varies depending on the offense committed.
The bill recommends imprisonment as a penalty. The period varies depending on the offense committed.
Two congressmen voted yes, with reservations.
Two congressmen voted yes, with reservations.
"This representation is concerned with the actual implementation and facilitation of this program. Hindi natin kinukuwestiyon ang pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan para sa agarang tulong, at kung bakit patuloy ang pag-asa nila rito. Rather, we are particularly worried about those who are in the position to provide assistance, but takes it as an opportunity to forward their personal and political interests — iyong mga nasa katungkulan na pinopolitika at binabahiran ng kulay ang mga ayuda," Gabriela Party List Rep. Arlene Brosas said.
"This representation is concerned with the actual implementation and facilitation of this program. Hindi natin kinukuwestiyon ang pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan para sa agarang tulong, at kung bakit patuloy ang pag-asa nila rito. Rather, we are particularly worried about those who are in the position to provide assistance, but takes it as an opportunity to forward their personal and political interests — iyong mga nasa katungkulan na pinopolitika at binabahiran ng kulay ang mga ayuda," Gabriela Party List Rep. Arlene Brosas said.
"Anumang alwan na maaari nating ialay bilang mga public officials sa ating mga kababayan ay bagay na gusto ng kabataan. Subalit gaya ng nakita natin sa mga nagdaang panahon, lalu na kapag papalapit na ang eleksyon, lumaganap ang tinatawag nating ayuda politics," Kabataan Party List Rep. Raoul Manuel also said.
"Anumang alwan na maaari nating ialay bilang mga public officials sa ating mga kababayan ay bagay na gusto ng kabataan. Subalit gaya ng nakita natin sa mga nagdaang panahon, lalu na kapag papalapit na ang eleksyon, lumaganap ang tinatawag nating ayuda politics," Kabataan Party List Rep. Raoul Manuel also said.
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