Sen. Erwin Tulfo criticized the delay in the passage of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act, stressing that public funds should not be used for political purposes.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said financial assistance should remain strictly under government programs and not be distributed by politicians.
“Walang politician ang dapat namimigay ng ayuda dahil pera ‘yan ng tao,” he said.
He said the bicameral conference committee (BICAM) report for the AICS bill was expected to be finalized before the June 17 adjournment of session but was stalled after some House members reportedly declined to sign.
According to Sen. Erwin Tulfo, the objection was linked to Section 17 of the proposed measure, which prohibits politicians from distributing financial assistance, particularly aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“They are requesting to further study certain provisions of the bill, particularly Section 17, which prohibits politicians from distributing financial assistance from the DSWD,” he said.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo apologized to his Senate colleagues after the session ended without the expected approval of the BICAM report, citing a deadlock in the discussions despite the measure being among the administration’s priority bills.
Had the bicameral report been ratified on June 17, the measure would have been sent to the President for signature.
“The goal of this law is to provide assistance to all Filipinos in crisis, not only the poorest of the poor. Even employed individuals facing emergencies can avail of aid. That is why we are institutionalizing this—to ensure continuous funding and more efficient implementation,” he said.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo added that the Senate had already approved the “anti-epal” provision, which is also reflected in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
He said concerns over political use of AICS have long persisted, with the program often allegedly used for vote-seeking distribution of aid.
“We are trying to end that practice.”