SENATOR Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday criticized the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its temporary suspension of issuing Guarantee Letters under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, calling the move “illogical” and harmful to those in urgent need of medical assistance.
During a Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing, Go expressed his frustration with the agency’s decision to halt the letters, which serve as financial guarantees for medical services, citing the DSWD’s explanation that the suspension was necessary to close its books for the year.
“I read in the news that the DSWD has set a deadline because they will close their books. How about those who need medical assistance? Will their life be extended if they have no one to turn to?” Go asked.
The senator urged the DSWD to devise a system that ensures continuous government services, even during financial closures. “Why is it necessary to stop the issuance of Guarantee Letters? Perhaps you could allocate funds to cover these guarantees during the last quarter or month of the year,” Go suggested, adding that the agency should clearly explain the policy to the public.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who had been expected to attend the hearing to address the issue, was notably absent. The committee secretary informed Go that Dumlao was called away by her superior an hour before the hearing.
The senator expressed his displeasure over Dumlao’s absence, particularly since she had reportedly announced the suspension of the Guarantee Letters earlier this month. “She was the one who said there’s a deadline for availing medical assistance because of the book closure. She confirmed her attendance, yet she is not here,” Go said.
As a result, Go ordered the committee to issue a show-cause order requiring Dumlao to explain her absence.
Last week, Dumlao defended the suspension, stating that it was part of the annual financial liquidation process and aimed to complete payments to service providers who had assisted AICS beneficiaries. In a statement, the DSWD emphasized that the pause in issuing Guarantee Letters would not affect other forms of AICS assistance, including cash aid for services costing ₱10,000 or less.
Despite this assurance, Go stressed the need for uninterrupted government support. “Kailangan i-explain niyo po ito sa publiko (The public needs an explanation),” he said.
The hearing concluded with the committee demanding clarity on how the DSWD intends to address the gap in services caused by the policy.