The Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP-National) has decided to withdraw its affiliation with the Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) over issues concerning the latter’s collection of fees from members, the activities being engaged, and the services given to affiliate members.

The SWEAP-National Council bared its decision to end its almost 21 years of affiliation with Courage in a three-page resolution.
“The affiliation of SWEAP with Courage had been put into question in recent years, particularly the fees being collected and its utilization, the activities being engaged, and the services being provided to affiliate members,” it said. “These issues led to the clamor among the members of the association, including the members of the National Council, to discuss and evaluate the affiliation.”
The SWEAP National Council noted during its fourth quarter meeting last Dec. 16, it was agreed upon that the issue on the affiliation of SWEAP with Courage be debated and voted upon by the members of the National Council.
During the meeting, the council agreed that a vote of two-thirds from all its members is required for disaffiliation.
The council cited that to ensure a fair, balanced, and fact-based decision-making, the council also conducted a forum with Courage (SWEAP Kaalaman) last Jan. 8 and a learning debate last Jan. 14.
After the learning debate during the special National Council meeting, the 17 council members or chapter presidents voted on the SWEAP affiliation with Courage. Thirteen voted for the discontinuance of the affiliation, three voted for the continuance of the affiliation, and one abstained.
“With the results of the voting, the SWEAP as the national employees’ association of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is withdrawing its affiliation with Courage,” the council said.
The SWEAP-National Council Resolution No. 1, signed on Jan. 21, 2021, provides that National Council Resolution No. 00-007, dated April 28, 2000 shall be rescinded, revoked, or otherwise repealed.
It also said that the SWEAP “shall no longer remit monthly dues to Courage.”
The resolution was signed by SWEAP National President and NCR chapter president Alan Balaba, chapter presidents Glynnis Casuga, Dulceneah Lyra dela Cruz, Thea Maria Rica del Rosario, Joseph Constantine Arceo, Jospehine Macalgay, Juvy Pasano, Clarance Darryl Alfuente, Brigieda Goron, Federico Pagayanan, and Fe dela Cruz.