MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo clarified that the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) prohibits the presence of any politician during the distribution of government cash assistance.

Tulfo made the statement during the bicameral conference on the P6.793-trillion national budget after some lawmakers raised concerns that government aid, particularly the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), could be used for political gain.

“Ang akala po kasi, we will continue the old practice na nakikita si politiko, na yung politiko mismo ang nagbibigay. Dito po sa special provision, dapat wala po ‘yung politiko doon. We can only ask the DSWD and direct them kung saan yung calamity-stricken area. The DSWD who chooses the beneficiaries,” Tulfo said.

He cited the policy he implemented as DSWD chief, which has also been adopted by current Secretary Rex Gatchalian, emphasizing that social workers of the agency will finalize the list of ayuda beneficiaries.

“I believe under Secretary Rex’s watch, yung DSWD mismo ang pupunta. They go to the ground. They have people on the ground and they list down. Hindi po yung galing sa politiko na mismo. That was also the practice during my time dito po sa pamimigay ng AICS,” he said.

With the issue clarified, Tulfo pushed for a P34-billion increase in the AICS program under the 2026 DSWD budget, highlighting the importance of immediate assistance for affected Filipinos.

The bicameral conference committee eventually approved P66.528 billion in funding for the AICS program for 2026.

“AICS is needed badly. ‘Pag tinamaan po yung isang area, at maghihintay ka pa ng QRF (Quick Response Fund), aabutin po ng dalawa, tatlong linggo bago ma-release. Whereas, kung nandiyan na mismo yung AICS, madali na lang pong ma-release po ito ng department doon sa mga beneficiaries,” Tulfo said.