As election campaigns reach the final stretch, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged the public, especially its beneficiaries, to report candidates who are using the agency’s programs, projects and services, like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), in advancing their political agenda.

To ensure that the department’s programs and services will be safeguarded from any political interference, the DSWD has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 9 or the “Policy Guidelines on Strengthening Partnership with Stakeholders During Election and Non-Election Periods.”

The policy provides for the grievance mechanism of the DSWD in responding to reports on politicians using and/or mentioning any of its programs in their campaign speeches or strategies.

Among those which can be reported by the public are putting names of politicians in relief items; repacking of relief goods and distribution of such as their own supplies; and/or claims that any DSWD goods or programs are provided due to their influence.

Likewise, under the MC, employees are reminded to be non-partisan in the implementation of the Department’s programs and services.

This is especially important as the department was allowed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through Resolution 9615 to implement all its regular programs.

Moreover, programs which are conducted under foreign agreements are also allowed to continue even during the election period.

Activities which involve the gathering of beneficiaries are also allowed, such as meeting with volunteers or parent leaders when needed, as long as these are not held for any politician.

Aside from issuing the MC, the DSWD also entered into a tripartite agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Comelec for the reimplementation of the 2013 memorandum of agreement and joint memorandum circular seeking to safeguard DSWD programs and services from political interference and political partisan activities.