Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a health reform crusader, expressed strong opposition to 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.
The temporary suspension, aimed at accommodating the agency’s annual liquidation and account settlement processes, is scheduled to take effect on December 13, potentially affecting numerous indigent beneficiaries in need of additional medical assistance.
During a public hearing on Monday, November 25, conducted by the Committee on Health joint with Finance, Go emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, calling 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.
“Nabasa ko po sa news na ang DSWD ay nag-set ng deadline kasi magsasara na po ang libro nila. Eh papaano na lang po ‘yung mga magkakasakit? May deadline ba ‘yun? May extension ba ang buhay kung wala silang matatakbuhan?” Go asked during the hearing, questioning the logic behind the suspension.
“Bakit hindi kayo gumawa ng sistema na tuluy-tuloy po ang serbisyo ng gobyerno? Eh paano ‘yung mga nagkakasakit na umaasa sa tulong ng gobyerno?”
Go also highlighted the plight of poor Filipinos who have no alternative source of assistance, stressing the need for the government to prioritize their welfare at all costs and at all times in accordance with existing laws.
“Kaya po tayo nandito sa gobyerno para tulungan ‘yung mga mahihirap, ‘yung mga helpless, ‘yung mga hopeless nating kababayan. Wala pong ibang matatakbuhan,” he said.
The senator suggested that the DSWD explore alternative solutions to avoid service disruptions. He proposed setting aside funds specifically for the last month or quarter of the year to ensure the continuity of services, even during liquidation processes.
“Bakit hindi kayo mag-set aside ng pondo para sa last month o last quarter para tuluy-tuloy po ang serbisyo?” Go asked, emphasizing the need for seamless operations. “Wala po silang matatakbuhan. Kaya po tayo nasa gobyerno para tulungan sila.”
He also pointed out the importance of transparency in government processes but argued that it should not come at the expense of providing essential aid. “Kailangan i-explain n’yo po ito sa publiko. Bakit n’yo sasabihin na meron kayong deadline, magsasara ng libro, at bawal na pong mag-avail ng assistance?” he said.
“Alam n’yo na mga nakaraang buwan, ‘yan talaga, bumabalik sa amin ‘yung mga mahirap,” he added, underscoring the recurring complaints he receives from affected individuals.
Officials from the DSWD earlier clarified that the suspension is necessary to comply with financial protocols, allowing them to settle accounts with service providers. However, Go countered that such procedures should not compromise the delivery of critical aid and services.
He also questioned the absence of authorized representatives from DSWD during the hearing given the importance of the issue at hand. During the hearing, he ordered the issuance of show cause notices to DSWD officials who failed to attend despite confirming their presence.
“The committee will issue a show cause order to explain the absence. Kung sino ‘yung wala ngayong araw na ito, mag-issue ka ng show cause order. Mas reasonable po dito sa Senado,” Go stated.
Observers from the DSWD attended in place of authorized representatives but were not empowered to provide official statements. “Pakiparating na lang po ito sa inyong departamento at sa mga opisyal ninyo,” Go remarked.
Meanwhile, Go reminded government agencies, particularly the DSWD, to take legislative hearings seriously. The senator found it unacceptable that the agency, after announcing plans to suspend the release of guarantee letters, failed to attend the hearing where these issues were being discussed.
He emphasized the need for agencies to send representatives authorized to speak on their behalf. Observers, he pointed out, were not enough for meaningful dialogue.
In his closing statement, Go reiterated his disappointment with the DSWD’s decision to impose a cut-off for GL issuance, particularly during the Christmas season, a time when Filipinos rely heavily on government aid for medical and financial emergencies. He reiterated his call for compassion and immediate reforms within the agency.
“Salamat po sa mga pagdinig na ating isinagawa sa komiteng ito. Malinaw po ang ating layunin: tiyakin na ang bawat Pilipino ay may access sa serbisyong medikal na nararapat sa kanila,” Go said.
The senator recalled a previous commitment by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during budget deliberations, where the Secretary promised to revise AICS guidelines in order to provide medical assistance in a more convenient manner within Malasakit Centers.
Go stressed that the absence of a revised Joint Administrative Order (JAO) should not hinder DSWD from using its resources to provide medical assistance efficiently through Malasakit Centers.
“Sana po’y mauna na ito dahil napakahalaga ng tulong na ito para sa ating mga kababayan,” Go said. He also called on the DSWD to ensure that no Filipino is left without aid due to bureaucratic processes, especially during the holidays.
“Mas kailangan po ng kababayan natin ang tulong ngayong Disyembre. Pasko po ito, at maraming nangangailangan ng medical o financial assistance. Mas kailangang-kailangan po ng mga Pilipino ang tulong mula sa gobyerno,” Go emphasized.
“Sana po ay walang cut-off dahil sa pagsasara ng libro. Pwede niyo pong gawan ng paraan ‘yan, pwede niyo pong gawan ng sistema alang-alang na lang po sa kapaskuhan at sa mga kababayan nating naghihirap.”
The senator also reminded public servants of their duty to prioritize the welfare of the poor, urging them to focus on practical solutions rather than excuses. He encouraged the DSWD to streamline processes and implement a system ensuring that government services continue without interruption.
“Ano pa pong hinihintay natin? Kung may problema, solusyunan agad. Hindi po tayo puwedeng maghintay dahil hindi rin po naghihintay ang pangangailangan ng tao. Tandaan po natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong tulong ang pwede nating ibigay sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon,” he said.
Go concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving the Filipino people. “Ako po, patuloy na magtatrabaho para sa inyo, para sa bawat Pilipino. Magtulungan lang tayo at magmalasakit. Sa pamamagitan nito, magagawa nating mas maayos at mas mabilis ang serbisyo para sa lahat.”
