DSWD exec seeks halt to Iloilo AICS payouts amid cuts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) official is calling for the temporary suspension of all onsite Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) payouts in Iloilo City following reports of widespread financial aid cuts allegedly carried out by barangay officials.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma said Friday, Nov. 21, that he will recommend to Secretary Rex Gatchalian the halting of onsite cash distributions until systemic safeguards are implemented.

“I will personally ask DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to stop onsite payouts until the agency can initiate or adopt policy changes to ensure that this will not happen again,” Ledesma said during a press conference.

Ledesma said one key recommendation is to move all AICS distributions to DSWD field offices to minimize the involvement of barangay officials during the disbursement process.

“Only those on the validated list by social workers will be allowed entry,” he added.

However, Ledesma acknowledged that even if payouts are moved to field offices, officials cannot fully control what happens once beneficiaries leave the premises.

“If we do it onsite, their presence is justifiable. But it leaves us wondering if barangay officials might still be waiting outside our field offices during payouts,” he said.

Ledesma clarified that no reports indicate that cash aid is being cut during the actual payout process.

“It happens after, when they return to their barangays,” he said.

While shifting payout locations may not fully eliminate the issue, Ledesma said the change could significantly reduce opportunities for exploitation.

He said consultations are ongoing to gather feedback before implementing any adjustments.

Ledesma assured the public that other DSWD social protection services will continue without interruption.

“We can’t stop DSWD social services because of these people,” he said.

Ledesma also raised concerns that the AICS program may have been politicized.

“In some cases, they were told that if they supported a certain politician, they would be listed as beneficiaries,” he said.

Earlier, DSWD Region 6 urged affected individuals to report irregularities and confirmed receiving complaints about barangay officials allegedly taking portions of AICS cash aid.

Several residents in the Jaro and Arevalo districts reported receiving PHP 10,000 in aid but were asked to return PHP 8,000.

Others claimed they were left with only PHP 1,000 after being coerced into surrendering PHP 9,000.

The AICS program provides immediate and temporary support — financial, emotional, or psychosocial — to individuals or families facing crises such as illness, death, or sudden economic hardship.

It covers essential needs, including food, transportation, medical expenses, education, and burial assistance.