SEN. Bong Go has opposed the planned suspension of guarantee letters (GLs) for medical-related assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Scheduled to take effect on Dec. 13, the temporary suspension will give way for DSWD’s annual liquidation and account settlement processes. However, it could potentially affect numerous indigent beneficiaries in need of additional medical assistance.
At last Monday’s public hearing conducted by the Committee on Health joint with Finance, Go emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, as he called for continuous and unhampered government services and assistance for vulnerable Filipinos.
He criticized the DSWD’s plan to temporarily halt the issuance of GLs, citing its potentially devastating consequences for those seeking medical or financial assistance.
“I read in the news that the DSWD has set a deadline because their books are about to close. So, what about the sick? Why don’t you create a system where government services continue?” Go said.
DSWD officials had clarified that the suspension is necessary to comply with financial protocols, allowing them to settle accounts with service providers.
But Go said the delivery of critical aid and services should continue. He also questioned the absence of authorized representatives from DSWD during the hearing.
Go ordered the issuance of show cause notices to DSWD officials who failed to attend despite confirming their presence.
During budget deliberations, the senator recalled a previous commitment by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to revise AICS guidelines to provide medical assistance more conveniently within Malasakit Centers.
“Our people need assistance more this December. It’s Christmas, and many need medical or financial assistance from the government,” he said.
“I hope there will be no cut-off because of the closing of the books. You can do that; you can do a system just for the sake of Christmas and for our people who are suffering,” he added.
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