DILG says social amelioration cards can’t be reproduced

April 17, 2020

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday warned local government officials that reproducing  social amelioration cards (SAC) is not allowed.

Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said social amelioration forms are pre-numbered and bar coded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“The government wants to immediately distribute the financial assistance for the beneficiaries during this COVID-19 crisis but we are warning the public against fake social amelioration forms. This are not for sale and not for reproduction by the LGUs or other individuals and groups,” Malaya said,

According to the Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, it mandates the provision of emergency subsidy to around 18 million low -income households which amounts to P5,000 to P8,000 depending on the minimum wage of the LGU.

Malaya said those caught photocopying  SAC forms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

He added that under the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, the distribution of the assistance is under the full control and supervision of the DSWD which may seek the assistance of LGUs in the distribution of the subsidies  with the police and military.

Malaya said that LGUs shall not install or cause to install any form of signage or appendage crediting any local government official, or bearing his or her image, for the distribution of any social amelioration measures

“We again remind that politicking is not allowed. We should be on ceasefire on politicizing because our enemy is the COVID-19. Let’s help each other in order to return our lives and our economy back to normal,” he said.

The DILG reiterated the DSWD’s message that the government aims to help low-income families affected by the crisis receive the social amelioration assistance but priority will be given to the poorest of the poor and those at risk of not earning income.

According to DSWD, around P71 billion were  distributed to a total of 1, 648 LGUs to be used for the social amelioration program. Ella Dionisio/DMS