The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday, Aug. 12 warned the public against faking documents to get emergency assistance from the agency.
In a statement, DSWD said it is pleased to facilitate requests for assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), but warned that those who submit fake documentary requirements will be “meted with appropriate sanctions following due process.”
AICS is DSWD’s program that helps individuals and families who need immediate assistance for medical, funeral, food, transportation, educational, or other support services.
In an effort to make the program more accessible, the DSWD streamlined the program process to ensure that the requirements will not burden the clients.
“However, this more lenient process might be taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals to offer fake documents to beneficiaries as well as to abusive clients who use falsified documents,” it said.
DSWD Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo has earlier warned that “fixers and unscrupulous individuals compromising the integrity of the program will be dealt with accordingly.”
The DSWD appealed to the public to help safeguard the integrity of its programs and services, and to report fixers and clients using fake documents to avail of the agency’s services.