The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured that the assistance it extends is only for those in need and beneficiaries undergo a strict vetting process.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a statement Thursday that the government’s frontline social protection agency provides all kinds of assistance to the poor and vulnerable “within the bounds set by existing rules and guidelines.”

“Rain or shine, our hard-working social workers are always ready to render assistance to those in need. The only consideration for the distribution of aid for the indigent and those in crisis situations is their current circumstance as assessed by our social workers in the DSWD Central Office, satellite offices and the various field offices,” he said.

Gatchalian issued the statement amid claims that the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program is being dangled in the signature-gathering campaign in support of Charter change.

According to the DSWD, individuals who wish to avail of the AICS have to secure an appointment for thorough screening.

They must submit all pertinent documents, which will have to be verified by DSWD officers.

Beneficiaries will then wait for a notification before they can collect the cash assistance.

A mere recommendation or the signing of any other document does not qualify an individual for the program, the DSWD said. (PNA)