Iloilo resumes AICS payouts after BSKE moved to 2028

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Government resumed the release of financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program on Sept. 29 after the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections were moved to 2028.

Rani Melvi Cuarte, head of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, confirmed the resumption of AICS payouts at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The province had suspended the release of AICS assistance on Sept. 18 because of election-period restrictions on public funds.

The suspension was initially expected to last until Nov. 1, while the OPSWDO continued accepting and processing applications from walk-in clients.

The restrictions were based on Comelec Resolution No. 11265 and Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code, which cover the release and expenditure of public funds for social welfare and services and housing-related projects during the election period, subject to exemptions.

Republic Act No. 12326, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 24, moved the BSKE originally scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, to the second Monday of November 2028 and set the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials at five years.

Those elected in 2023 will remain in office until their successors are elected and qualified.

A petition challenging the postponement was filed before the Supreme Court on Sept. 28, but Comelec said it would implement the law unless restrained by the court.

Other assistance programs covered by election-period restrictions included Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The Liga ng mga Barangay-Iloilo Province Chapter also suspended the release of PHP 200,000 checks to barangays under its “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program.

It had yet to announce a new distribution schedule as of the latest report.

Meanwhile, for barangay officials, the change means more time to pursue ongoing programs.

Iloilo Province Liga ng mga Barangay Federation president and provincial board member Amalia Debuque said officials had already been preparing for the November elections, including transition and inventory requirements.

Debuque described the extension as an unexpected development, noting that the national Liga did not push for the move and that Congress initiated the measure.

“It’s a very nice surprise for us that the barangay officials throughout the country were given an additional two-year extension,” she said.

She stressed, however, that the extension should not be treated as a privilege or gift.

“So now that we’re given a chance… we as barangay officials should continue with the proper conduct and governance in our barangays,” she added.