SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure equal treatment of beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and refrain from using it for political gain.
During Monday’s budget hearing for the DSWD’s proposed 2025 budget, Sen. Go stressed, “I hope that our treatment will be equal and don’t use it for politics. Don’t exploit the weakness of our fellow citizens who are suffering. They are already distressed and still they need to beg to receive aid from the government. Let’s remember that it’s not your money, it’s not our money, it’s the people’s money and it should be returned to them.”
AICS is a vital DSWD program that provides crucial support to Filipinos facing various crises, disasters, or extreme poverty. It offers assistance in areas such as education, medical care, transportation, burial, and even the provision of food and other essential equipment.
Go’s call for fairness and transparency in the implementation of AICS highlights concerns that the program has been used for political purposes in the past. He emphasized that the program should be solely focused on providing genuine aid to those in need, without any political strings attached.
His statement underscores the importance of ensuring that government programs are used for their intended purpose and that vulnerable citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
