SEN. Erwin Tulfo on Thursday criticized efforts to delay the passage of the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act, insisting that elected officials should not be allowed to personally distribute government financial aid because the funds belong to the people, not politicians.
Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said the measure’s progress was stalled after some members of the House of Representatives reportedly objected to a provision banning politicians from distributing assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The bicameral conference committee (bicam), tasked with reconciling the Senate and House versions of the bill, had been expected to finalize its report before Congress adjourned sine die on June 17. Tulfo said several congressmen refused to sign the measure because of concerns over Section 17, a provision that bars politicians from personally handing out financial aid.
“They refuse to sign and are requesting more time to study certain provisions of the proposed bill, particularly Section 17, which states that politicians are prohibited from distributing financial assistance, especially from the DSWD,” Tulfo said in Filipino.
He expressed disappointment over the impasse, noting that senators had waited for the bicameral report to be completed on the final day of the session, only for discussions to reach what he described as a “deadlock.” The AICS Act is among the priority measures of the Marcos administration. Under the proposed law, assistance would not be limited to the poorest sectors of society.
Tulfo said even employed individuals experiencing crises such as medical emergencies, accidents, death in the family or other unforeseen circumstances could qualify for government support.
“The goal of this law is to provide aid to all Filipinos, not just the poorest of the poor. Even employed individuals facing a crisis can receive assistance here. That is why we are pushing to institutionalize this, so that funding is continuous and implementation is more efficient,” he said.
Had the bicameral committee approved the final version of the bill before adjournment, the measure would have only required President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature to become law.
Tulfo defended the controversial provision as an “anti-epal” safeguard that prevents politicians from claiming credit for government assistance programs.
He noted that a similar restriction had been adopted by the Senate and was included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
For years, Tulfo said, there have been persistent allegations that government assistance programs have been used by some politicians to gain political advantage, particularly during elections.
“I have long heard that AICS is constantly being used to dole out goods to our countrymen in exchange for their votes. We are trying to stop that tradition, or whatever you want to call it,” he said.
Despite the setback, Tulfo said discussions on the AICS Act will continue once Congress resumes.