Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) recently unveiled guidelines for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program are designed to prevent political influence and encourage community involvement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted the importance of community participation in ensuring the integrity of the program. She emphasized that beneficiaries should remain vigilant against political actors at payout events and report any such occurrences. Dumlao stated, "The beneficiaries should know that political actors are barred from payout events. If their level of awareness is high, the beneficiaries themselves will report if they observe political actors during payouts."

The anti-political influence guidelines were initially adopted in 2025 under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-01, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). Although the AKAP program will not continue in 2026, the DSWD plans to maintain these guidelines to prevent political actors from influencing payout activities.

Additional measures include prohibiting tarpaulins and posters at payout sites and establishing grievance desks during payout events. Dumlao urged the public to utilize the DSWD's Integrated Grievance Redress Management System to report any issues or concerns.