NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated to develop, 
implement, and coordinate social protection and poverty-reduction solutions for and with the 
poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged. 
The DSWD, however, knows and acknowledges the important role that the private 
sector plays in the delivery of social welfare and development programs and services to the 
public. There is thus a need to strengthen the partnership among social welfare and 
development agencies (SWDAs), national government agencies (NGAs), local government 
units (L.GUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and the 
private sector to include easy access of resources between and among them for the upliftment 
of the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the underprivileged 
individuals, families, groups, and communities in the country. 
Hence this bill which seeks to establish a comprehensive system of registration and 
licensing of social welfare and development agencies and accreditation of social welfare and 
development programs and services. This will ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and 
accountability in the delivery of quality social welfare and development programs and services. 
And will reinforce the regulatory functions of the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD) over agencies and organizations engaged in social welfare and 
development activities. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
August 17, 2023
2:00 pm
8936


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR THE REGISTRATION AND 
LICENSING 
OF 
SOCIAL 
WELFARE 
AND 
DEVELOPMENT 
AGENCIES 
AND 
ACCREDITATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND 
SERVICES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Social Welfare and Development 
Agencies Act".  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State acknowledges the important role that the private 
sector plays in the delivery of social welfare and development programs and services to the 
public. Towards this end, the State shall ensure that social welfare and development programs 
and services in the public and private sectors comply with national standards and adhere to 
the principles of human rights. The State shall set standards, register, license, accredit, and 
monitor social welfare and development agencies, service providers, groups or organizations 
engaged in social welfare and development activities. It shall also provide appropriate 
consultative mechanisms to enable mutual beneficial engagements of the private sector and 
its counterparts in government to set social welfare and development priorities, identify areas 
where synergies are possible, and jointly develop standards that meet the challenges and 
demands of the services they provide to the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the 
disadvantaged, and the underprivileged sectors of Philippine society. 
The State shall further promote and strengthen the partnership among social welfare 
and development agencies (SWDAs), national government agencies (NGAs), local 
government units (L.GUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, 
and the private sector to include easy access of resources between and among them for the 
upliftment of the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the 
underprivileged individuals, families, groups, and communities in the country 
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act applies to all non-stock, non-profit corporations operating in the 
Philippines, both public or private, with the primary purpose of implementing or intending to 
implement social welfare and development programs and services for the poor, vulnerable, 
marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged beneficiaries. Organizations established by 
a treaty or other instruments governed by international law or possessing its own international 
legal personality are not covered by this Act. 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act: 
8936


(a) Accreditation refers to the process of providing official recognition to the social welfare and 
development programs and services of registered and licensed social welfare agencies 
(SWAs), after meeting the minimum standards set by the government;  
 
(b) Beneficiaries refer to the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and 
the underprivileged individuals, families, groups, and communities availing themselves of any 
service offered by the SWAs, including the following:  
1. Abandoned, neglected, orphaned, voluntarily committed, abused and exploited 
children, and other children in need of special protection;  
2. Out-of-school youth and other youth with special needs;  
3. Women;  
4. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) or differently abled persons;  
5. Senior citizens or older persons;  
6. Dysfunctional families; 
7. Internally displaced individuals and communities such as victims or survivors 
of natural or human-induced calamities or disasters; and  
8. Poor, 
vulnerable, 
marginalized, 
disadvantaged, 
and 
underprivileged 
individuals, families, groups, and communities, including indigenous groups 
and those in crisis situation;  
 
(c) Operation refers to the implementation of social welfare and development programs and 
services by an SWDA, either directly or indirectly, within a specified geographical area or place 
over a period of time using its own resources or the resources of other partners and conduits;  
 
(d) Registered social worker refers to a person who possesses a degree in Bachelor of 
Science in Social Work or a Master's Degree in Social Work, has passed the Social Worker 
Licensure Examination, and is a holder of a valid registration or identification card issued by 
the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC);  
 
(e) Service providers refer to social welfare and development workers including social workers 
managing court cases and pre-marriage counselors accredited by the DSWD and who have 
satisfactorily complied with the set requirements and standards;  
 
(f) Social Welfare and Development Programs and Services refer to an organized system of 
programs and services designed to aid beneficiaries to attain an improved quality of life and 
well-being in harmony with the needs of their family and community; 
 
(g) Social Welfare and Development Agency (SWD4) refers to a nonstock, nonprofit, public or 
private corporation, implementing or intending to implement, mainly or generally, social welfare 
and development programs and services in the Philippines, either directly or indirectly, and 
assessed as having the capacity to operate administratively, technically and financially to 
serve the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the underprivileged 
beneficiaries as defined in this Act;  
 
(h) Social Welfare and Development Worker refers to a social worker or any professional who 
is engaged in the delivery of social welfare and development programs and services of an 
SWDA; 
 
(i) Social work refers to the profession which helps individuals, families, groups, and 
communities develop, improve, maintain, or restore their capability for coping with the 
demands of their environment through the use of social work methods and interventions; and  
(j) Unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs refer to those agencies or organizations that continue 
to provide social welfare and development programs and services, either directly or indirectly, 
without license to operate from the DSWD, or whose certificates of registration or licenses to 
operate are expired or revoked. 


 
ARTICLE II 
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
 
SEC. 5. Classification of SWDAs. - An SWDA may either be a Social Welfare Agency or an 
Auxiliary SWDA.  
(a) A Social Welfare Agency (SWA) provides restorative, preventive, and developmental 
programs and services to the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and 
the underprivileged individuals, families, groups, or communities. They may be classified as:  
(1) Residential-based Agency. - An SWA that provides twenty-four (24)-hour residential 
care services for the marginalized sector including the abandoned, neglected, or voluntarily 
committed children, women, PWDs, and older persons;  
(2) Community-based Agency. - An SWA that implements community-based or street- 
based programs and services delivered to beneficiaries while in their home or in the 
community such as those in senior citizens centers, day-care centers and vocational 
rehabilitation centers. These programs and services include sponsorship or scholarship 
programs, assistance to victims of disasters, and social services to individuals and families; 
or  
(3) Child-placing Agency. - An SWA that receives and processes applications of the 
prospective foster or adoptive parents and facilitates placement of children eligible for foster 
care or adoption. 
 
(b) An Auxiliary SWDA provides supportive activities in the delivery of social welfare and 
development programs and services to the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the 
disadvantaged, and the underprivileged sectors such as the grant of funds, the conduct of 
trainings, and other resources to help in the efficient operations of SWAs. The following are 
the different types of auxiliary SWDA:  
(1) People's Organization. - An SWDA with a bona fide association of citizens with 
identifiable leadership, membership, and structure, that has demonstrated its capacity to 
promote the public interest and engage in social welfare and development activities. They 
include federation of senior citizens, youth organizations, and associations of women and 
PWDs;  
(2) Resource Agency. - An SWDA that provides tangibles such as funds, food, clothing, 
medicines, and shelter; or intangibles such as knowledge and skills to help various SWDAs 
achieve their goals in providing social welfare and development services for their beneficiaries; 
or  
(3) Social Welfare and Development Network. - A group of SWDAs such as a coalition, 
alliance or federation that organized themselves for a common goal in promoting social 
protection of the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the 
underprivileged groups.  
 
SEC. 6. Service Delivery Modes. - Social welfare and development programs and services 
may be delivered in any of the following modes: 
(a) Residence-based mode where group care is provided to residents under the 
guidance of a trained staff and within a structured therapeutic environment with the objective 
of reintegrating a person with the family or community or, in case of children, until such time 
when a better alternative parental care is provided. This program may also be provided for 
those children pursuing formal education away from their family; or  
(b) Community-based mode where the helping process takes place in the community 
as the primary client system or when social welfare and development activities are provided 
to individuals, groups, or families while they remain in their homes. It is characterized by 
interaction between the client and worker in the community in relation to the resolution of 
identified problems and concerns. These include senior citizens center, day-care center, drop-
in center, vocational rehabilitation center, sponsorship or scholarship program, alternative 


placement service, assistance to victims of disaster, and social services to individuals and 
families, while in their home or in the community.  
 
SEC. 7. Administration and Management. - An SWDA is managed by individuals whose 
qualifications meet the criteria set under the rules and regulations to be issued to implement 
the provisions of this Act. It may be operated by: 
(a) Private individuals, educational institutions, civic organizations, and faith-based 
organizations, or  
(b) NGAs, LGUs, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state 
universities and colleges with social welfare and development programs and projects.  
At least sixty percent (60%) of the seats in the Board of Trustees of SWDAs operated 
by nonstock and nonprofit corporations must be held by Filipinos. 
 
SEC. 8. Salaries, Wages and Other Benefits. - All SWDAs shall comply with existing and 
relevant labor laws and regulations regarding the salaries, wages, and benefits of employees, 
provided these are within the minimum standards set by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) 
and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). In the absence of a standard salary 
scale for social workers and other social welfare and development workers of the SWDAs, the 
pay scale set by the CSC and the DOLE, in consultation with the Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM), shall be followed.  
 
SEC. 9. Operating Expenses. - An SWDA shall utilize at least seventy percent (70%) of its 
funds for direct social welfare and development programs and services and not more than 
thirty percent (30%) shall be expended for administrative concerns. Funds of the SWDA shall 
be deposited in the name of the organization in a banking institution regulated by the Bangko 
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Financial transactions, books of accounts and other reports shall 
be made available to the public, agency staff, and other concerned individuals or agencies for 
transparency and monitoring purposes. 
Any donation received by the SWDA, both in kind and in cash, shall inure only to the 
welfare of the beneficiaries and the operating expenses of the SWDA.  
The DSWD, in consultation with public and private SWDAs, shall set standards to 
determine specific expenditures for program and administrative expenses.  
 
SEC. 10. Submission of Reports. - Each SWDA shall submit to the DSWD an annual 
accomplishment and financial report duly audited by an external certified public accountant or 
a representative from the Commission on Audit (COA) and other reports as may be required 
by the DSWD.  
The financial reports of SWDAs whose total income and expenditures are less than 
Five hundred thousand pesos (PS00,000.00) shall be audited by its internal auditor. 
The annual reports shall be submitted to the DSWD not later than one hundred twenty 
(120) days after the end of every fiscal year.  
 
ARTICLE III 
REGISTRATION, LICENSING, AND ACCREDITATION 
 
SEC. 11. Registration. - (a) An SWDA shall register with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) for purposes of establishing its juridical personality. To be officially 
recognized as an SWDA operating within the purview of social welfare and development, the 
SWDA shall also apply for registration with the DSWD not later than six (6) months from the 
issuance of the certificate of registration from the concerned government agency.  
 
(b) An applicant for registration as an SWDA shall submit the following documentary 
requirements: 
(1) Certified true copy of registration with the SEC or the CDA;  


(2) At least two (2) years approved work and financial plan for the implementation of 
its programs and services indicating the planned activities and corresponding amount of funds 
and sources of donations;  
(3) The names of qualified technical and administrative staff and a copy of their 
licenses or certificates of professional eligibilities as well as an agency guide that outlines its 
operations; and  
(4) Other documentary requirements, as provided for under existing laws, rules, and 
regulations, as may be deemed necessary to ensure the welfare and safety of its beneficiaries 
and staff.  
 
(c) For an SWDA that has been in operation for less than two (2) years prior to the passage of 
this Act, the following additional requirements must be submitted: 
(1) A manual of operation or handbook of its programs and administrative policies, 
procedures and strategies to attain its purposes; and  
(2) Diagram of physical facilities, including location map and other documents showing 
ownership or legal custody of property where the SWDA shall operate from.  
 
(d) For an SWDA which has been in operation for at least two (2) years at the time of the 
application for registration, it shall submit at least one (1) year audited financial report, in 
addition to the abovementioned requirements.  
 
SEC. 12. Licensing. - An SWA shall be given a permit and a legal authority to operate, after 
having met or complied with the following licensing requirements: 
(a) Documentation showing that it is engaged in social welfare and development 
programs and services; 
(b) Certification showing that it employs the necessary number of registered social 
workers, community development workers, and other employees trained on specific programs 
and services to be implemented, and a copy of their respective licenses or certificates of 
professional eligibilities: Provided, That the requirement for social workers and other 
professionals shall depend on the nature of the social welfare programs and services; and  
(c) Certification of the record of cases it managed or is currently managing and social 
welfare and development programs and services implemented.  
The registration and licensing of an SWA may be done simultaneously, and, upon 
approval, a certificate of registration and license to operate shall be issued. 
 
SEC. 13. Exemption from Registration and Licensing. - All public residential care facilities of 
the DSWD, social service units of LGUs, public hospitals, courts, and other social welfare 
facilities of NGAs and GOCCs, by virtue of the legal basis of their establishment or charters, 
are exempted from the registration requirement and from securing a license to operate from 
the DSWD. However, they shall apply for accreditation following the same requirements and 
standards and shall be subjected to regular monitoring by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 14. Accreditation. - All social welfare and development programs and services of 
registered and licensed SWAs shall be accredited by the DSWD or its authorized 
intermediaries not later than one (1) year after the issuance of a license to operate. A SWA 
must comply with the standards on accreditation set by the DSWD on administration and 
organization, program management, case management, helping strategies or interventions, 
physical structures and safety, and client protection policy prior to the accreditation of its 
programs and services. 
 
SEC. 15. Fees and Charges. - All applications for registration, license, and accreditation shall 
be charged with corresponding fees to be determined by the DSWD. The fees and charges 
shall be deposited with the National Treasury. 
 


SEC. 16. Validity, - The certificate of registration and the license to operate issued to an SWA 
by the DSWD shall be valid for five (5) years. The accreditation certificate, however, may be 
valid for a period of five (5) to seven (7) years depending on the level of accreditation standards 
set by the DSWD.  
The existing certificate shall remain valid until the DSWD has acted on an application 
for renewal which must be filed within one hundred (100) working days prior to the expiration. 
The DSWD shall act on the application for renewal of registration, license, and accreditation 
not later than one hundred (100) working days after submission of complete requirements by 
the SWDA. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF SOCIAL 
WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
 
SEC. 17. Benefits and Privileges of Registered SWDAs. - A registered SWDA is entitled to the 
following benefits and privileges:  
(a) Inclusion in the DSWD's directory of registered, licensed, and accredited SWDAs;  
(b) Technical assistance in the areas of capability building, packaging of project 
proposal, provision of program materials and skills enhancement to strengthen program and 
service implementation; and  
(c) Other benefits and privileges as may be deemed appropriate by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 18. Benefits and Privileges of Licensed SWAs. - In addition to the benefits and privileges 
of a registered SWDA, a licensed SWA is entitled to the following benefits and privileges: 
(a) DSWD's endorsement to the DOF for duty- and tax-free importation of foreign 
donations subject to compliance with the prescribed requirements;  
(b) Resource augmentation for program implementation, subject to compliance with 
the requirements as may be established by the DSWD; and  
(c) Other benefits and privileges as may be deemed appropriate by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 19. Benefits and Privileges of Accredited SWAs. - In addition to the benefits and 
privileges of registered SWDAs and licensed SWAs, an accredited SWA is entitled to the 
following benefits and privileges: 
(a) DSWD's endorsement to the DOF for done institution status and other relevant tax 
incentives as provided by law;  
(b) DSWD's endorsement for resource augmentation or other assistance from any 
government agency or private donor subject to compliance to set criteria;  
(c) DSWD's endorsement to utility service providers for the grant of discount on the 
cost of electricity, water consumption, and telephone service to the residential care, group 
homes, and community center-based facilities that are operated exclusively for the 
beneficiaries subject to the set requirements of the utility service providers;  
(d) DSWD's endorsement to appropriate government agencies and private 
establishments for discount for the processing of documents of intended beneficiaries such as 
birth registration, passport, safety certificates, among others, for residential care and 
community-based SWA facilities; 
(e) Assistance in establishing linkages with local, national, and international 
organizations and networks for the generation and sharing of resources;  
(f) Nomination of board members, employees, or volunteer workers to participate as 
presentors or resource speakers in local or foreign trainings or conferences;  
(g) Plaque of recognition as a model SWDA;  
(h) Cash incentives;  
(i) DSWD's endorsement of the SWA as an agency for research and for other learning 
opportunities such as Lakbay Aral; and  
(j) Other benefits and privileges as may be deemed appropriate by the DSWD.  
 


SEC. 20. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions 
made to the registered, licensed, and accredited SWDA that will be used actually, directly and 
exclusively by the said SWDA are exempt from donors' tax and the same shall be considered 
as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor for purposes of computing the 
donor's taxable income in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue 
Code of 1997, as amended. 
A foreign donation to a registered, licensed, and accredited SWDA, upon certification 
by the DOF, shall be exempted from the payment of taxes and customs duties in accordance 
with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the "Customs 
Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)." 
 
ARTICLE V 
OTHER REGULATORY POWERS AND 
FUNCTIONS OF THE DSWD 
 
SEC. 21. Monitoring and Evaluation of SWDAs. - The DSWD shall conduct monitoring and 
evaluation including spot visits to all SWDAs at least once a year or as the need arises to 
ensure that their social welfare and development programs and services are implemented as 
planned. The result of monitoring and evaluation shall be used to address problems and issues 
and to provide the framework for interventions of the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 22. Dissolution of SWDAs. - Any of the following acts or omissions is a ground for the 
voluntary or involuntary termination of operation or dissolution or closure of SWDAs: 
(a) Inability of SWDA officers to sustain its operation;  
(b) Noncompliance with or violation of any provision of this Act; and  
(c) Other causes as may be determined by the DSWD.  
The constitution and by-laws or articles of incorporation of an SWDA must explicitly 
state that in case of dissolution, the assets shall be utilized for social welfare and development 
activities after payment of all financial liabilities.  
A final and executory judgment by the DSWD finding an SWDA liable for any of the 
violations stated in (a), (b) and (c) is a ground for the cancellation and revocation of the 
agency's registration or license to operate as an organization or agency, and shall be endorsed 
to the SEC for its appropriate action. 
 
SEC. 23. Deputation of Intermediaries. - Authorized intermediaries may be deputized by the 
DSWD to conduct an assessment of the operation of an SWDA and social welfare and 
development workers for purposes of registration, licensing, and accreditation. The DSWD 
shall provide transportation or subsidy allowance to deputized intermediaries in accordance 
with the rules and regulations of the COA. Further, the DSWD shall provide continuous 
capacity-building activities to the deputized intermediaries.  
For purposes of this Act, intermediaries refer to persons, groups, networks of SWDAs, 
or LGUs trained, accredited, and authorized by the DSWD to perform specific functions in the 
process of registration, licensing, and accreditation. 
 
SEC. 24. Investigation and Resolution of Complaints. - The DSWD shall accept complaints, 
investigate and initiate appropriate proceedings on cases involving SWDAs. Upon lawful 
cause, the DSWD shall suspend the operations of the SWDA or revoke its registration, license, 
and accreditation certificates and close its facilities in coordination with law enforcement 
agencies, without prejudice to the filing of criminal or civil case against erring officials and 
personnel of the SWDA. 
 
ARTICLE VI  
COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOCIAL WELFARE 
AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
 


SEC. 25. Complaints. - In handling complaints against an SWDA for a violation of this Act, the 
DSWD may consider any of the following information to initiate an inquiry or investigation 
thereon:  
(a) Report of an authorized personnel or office of the DSWD based on the assessment 
and monitoring of the compliance with program and service standards;  
(b) Report from an SWDA's clients or beneficiaries;  
(c) Verbal information from a person, group, or organization;  
(d) Signed and unsigned letters, documents or reports;  
(e) Printed materials or articles in newspapers, magazines and similar publications;  
(f) Information sent or received through broadcast or electronic media and information 
and communication devices such as text messages, emails and posts in the social media; or 
(g) Other sources of information such as minutes of meetings, consultations, and fora. 
In the case of a verbal or unsigned complaint, the DSWD shall validate the alleged violations 
or actions of the SWDA being reported. If and when validation is not possible, the personnel 
or office of the DSWD that received the complaint shall file a report on the difficulty to validate 
the same. Documented information and printed materials must be evaluated in accordance 
with the procedures in handling complaints or information.  
 
SEC. 26. Who May File a Complaint. - A complaint against an SWDA may be filed with the 
DSWD by any of the following:  
(a) Offended party;  
(b) Parent or legal guardian of a client; 
(c) Ascendant or collateral relative of the client, such as a child within the third degree 
of affinity or consanguinity;  
(d) Duly authorized officer or social worker of the DSWD;  
(e) Officer, social worker, or representative of a registered, licensed, and accredited 
SWDA;  
(f) Punong Barangay or other local government official; or  
(g) Person who has personal knowledge of the acts complained about or reported for 
action. 
 
SEC. 27. Review Committee. - There shall be a Field Office Review Committee (FORC) and 
a Central Office Review Committee (CORC) to handle cases and resolve complaints against 
SWDAs, whether they are registered or unregistered, licensed or unlicensed, or accredited. 
For complaints and violations involving any SWDA operating in one or more regions, the 
FORC that has jurisdiction over the areas where the cases happened shall have exclusive 
jurisdiction in handling and resolving the said complaints or violations. The decisions, orders 
or findings of the FORC shall be appealable to the CORC. The CORC may intervene or assist 
the FORC in handling complaints, if necessary. 
The composition of the FORC and the CORC shall be determined by the DSWD: 
Provided, That there are two (2) members representing licensed and accredited SWDAs who 
are themselves members of the network organized by the DSWD. The representatives must 
be provided with an allowance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the COA.  
Further, the DSWD shall formulate guidelines on the protocols of handling complaints 
against SWDAs, including the terms of reference of the FORC and CORC.  
 
SEC. 28. Procedures. - The procedures in handling and resolving of complaints and appeals 
by the FORC and the CORC shall be made in accordance with the existing rules and 
procedures of the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 29. Suspension, Revocation or Closure. - The certificates of registration, license to 
operate or accreditation issued to an SWDA by the DSWD shall be suspended or revoked if, 
after due process, the DSWD finds that the SWDA committed any of the grounds stipulated 
under Sections 30 and 31 of this Act. 


A suspended SWDA shall cease its operation. However, the DSWD may allow it to 
continue its operation subject to the following conditions:  
(a) If the suspension will cause prejudice to the best interest of a substantial number 
of beneficiaries;  
(b) If there are no other available registered, licensed, or accredited SWDAs that can 
accommodate the beneficiaries of the suspended SWDA;  
(c) If the SWDA agrees to be under the close supervision of the DSWD; and  
(d) If the SWDA agrees not to accept any additional beneficiaries. The suspension, 
revocation of license or closure of an SWDA shall be effected without prejudice to the filing of 
criminal or civil case under existing laws. 
 
SEC. 30. Grounds for Suspension. - The suspension or temporary cessation of operation as 
an SWDA may be of any of the following grounds:  
(a) Insolvency or inability to continue to support and maintain its operation or to perform 
the functions for which it was granted registration and license;  
(b) Noncompliance with social case management standards;  
(c) Poor sanitation of facilities and surroundings rendering these unfit for clientele;  
(d) Violation of the SWDA's constitution and by-laws;  
(e) Failure to submit annual accomplishment and audited financial reports for two (2) 
consecutive years;  
(f) Failure to apply for accreditation or renewal of accreditation after two (2) consecutive 
notifications and monitoring or spot visits and technical assistance every six (6) months from 
the DSWD or authorized intermediaries; or 
(g) Other causes as may be determined by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 31. Grounds for Revocation of License. - The revocation or cancellation of the 
registration, license to operate and accreditation certificates of an SWDA issued by the DSWD 
may be of any of the following grounds:  
(a) Use of SWDA for immoral purposes such as trafficking, gambling, prostitution, 
money laundering, and terrorist financing;  
(b) Neglect, exploitation, and abuse of SWDA clients;  
(c) Cessation of operation as SWDA; 
(d) Mismanagement of funds;  
(e) Falsification of the requirements for registration, licensing, and accreditation;  
(f) Revocation of its registration from juridical personality by the SEC or other 
regulatory agencies;  
(g) Noncompliance of SWDAs on the agreed action plan during the accreditation 
assessment for two (2) consecutive monitoring visits with interval of six (6) months by the 
DSWD; or  
(h) Other causes as may be determined by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 32. Delisting of an SWDA. - An SWDA with expired registration, license, or accreditation 
certificate and which failed to reply or send a letter of intent to renew its registration, license, 
and accreditation to the DSWD, after receiving three (3) notices shall be delisted from the 
DSWD's roster. 
An SWDA whose certificate of registration and license to operate have been revoked 
shall be delisted from the roster of registered, licensed, and accredited SWDAs. Likewise, the 
SWDA that voluntarily ceases its operation shall be delisted.  
 
SEC. 33. Closure of Unregistered or Unlicensed SWDAs. - After receipt of two (2) notices from 
DSWD requiring them to apply and submit requirements for registration and licensing and to 
undergo technical assistance, unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs that continue to engage in 
social welfare and development programs and services, either directly or indirectly, shall 
immediately be closed upon receipt of an order from the DSWD. 
 


ARTICLE VII 
STRENGTHENING THE STANDARDS BUREAU OF DSWD 
 
SEC. 34. Strengthening of the Standards Bureau. - The Standards Bureau shall, upon 
approval of the Secretaries of Social Welfare and Development and Budget and Management, 
be reorganized and set up to effectively and efficiently implement the regulatory functions of 
the DSWD in pursuance with this Act and existing DSWD rules and regulations. The Bureau 
shall be headed by a Director and Assistant Director who shall have the rank of Director IV 
and Director III, respectively. Both shall be appointed in accordance with existing rules and 
regulations of the CSC and the DSWD. They shall report directly to the DSWD Secretary. 
 
SEC. 35. Functions of the Standards Bureau. - The Standards Bureau shall perform the 
following duties and functions:  
(a) Formulate, develop and revise policies and guidelines pertaining to social welfare 
and development standards implementation, registration and licensing of SWDAs, 
accreditation of service providers and programs and services of SWDAs, regulation of regional 
and national fund campaign and duty-free entry of foreign donations and handling of 
complaints;  
(b) Develop strategies which will promote quality social welfare and development 
programs and services for the welfare of the beneficiaries;  
(c) Register qualified organizations engaged in social welfare and development 
programs;  
(d) License social welfare agencies;  
(e) Accredit social welfare and development programs and services of the SWDAs and 
service providers; 
(f) Manage complaints and information on cases of violations against registered, 
licensed, and accredited SWDAs and service providers;  
(g) Monitor and provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to field 
offices, SWDAs and intermediaries to ensure sustainability of quality service delivery;  
(h) Develop and manage information management system relative to standards 
development, compliance and monitoring of the registered and licensed SWDAs and 
accredited service providers; 
 
(i) Identify other benefits and incentives for registered, licensed, and accredited 
SWDAs; and  
(j) Perform such other acts which are necessary or incidental to the proper exercise of 
its functions and duties.  
 
SEC. 36. Divisions of the Standards Bureau. - The Standards Bureau is composed of three 
(3) divisions that shall perform the following respective functions:  
(a) Standards Development Division (SDD). - The SDD shall set the standards on the 
implementation of social welfare and development programs and services, and develop 
strategies which will promote quality social welfare and development programs and services 
for the welfare of the defined beneficiaries.  
(b) Standards Compliance Division (SCD). - The SCD shall process and assess 
applications for registration, licensing, and accreditation of SWDAs and service providers, 
ensure their compliance to the implementation of the social welfare and development 
programs and services and determine the benefits that shall accrue to licensed and accredited 
service providers and SWDAs. It shall also enforce regulatory policies, including the imposition 
of the necessary penalties, on unregistered and unlicensed SWDAs and service providers 
whose certificates of registration, accreditation, and licenses have expired.  
(c) Standards Monitoring and Enforcement Division (SMED). - The SMED shall monitor 
the compliance of registered, licensed, and accredited SWDAs and service providers with the 
minimum standards of quality for social welfare and development programs for the poor, 
vulnerable, marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged sectors of the society. The 


SMED shall also be responsible in the handling of complaints against SWDAs in relation to 
their programs, services and activities. 
 
SEC. 37. Regional Counterpart. - The counterpart units that shall perform compliance 
monitoring and standards enforcement in all regional offices of the DSWD shall be 
strengthened to enable them to efficiently monitor and enforce compliance of SWAs and 
SWDAs with standards set for the delivery of programs and services. The head of these units 
shall occupy a position not lower than a Social Welfare Officer IV. The regional office shall 
have at least two (2) of the three (3) offices in the Standards Bureau, namely: the Standards 
Compliance Section (SCS) and the Standards Monitoring and Enforcement Section (SMES). 
The appropriate number of staff complement of these two (2) sections shall be created in 
accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the DBM, the CSC, and the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 38. Additional Plantilla Positions. - The number of assigned plantilla positions for the 
DSWD Standards Bureau and its regional counterparts shall be increased in order to ensure 
the proper implementation of this Act and the effective performance of the offices organized 
herein, subject to the evaluation and approval of the DBM. 
 
ARTICLE VIII  
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS 
 
SEC. 39. Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies. - Law enforcement agencies such as 
the PNP, NBI, and BI shall provide assistance to the DSWD in the enforcement of this Act.  
 
SEC. 40. Immunity of Officer or Staff. - The duly authorized officer or staff of the DSWD or of 
any of the law enforcement agencies involved in the implementation and enforcement of this 
Act who are found to have acted in accordance with the due process clause of the Constitution 
shall be exempted from any civil, criminal, and administrative liability.  
 
SEC. 41. Penalties. -Any person, group, or organization that operates as a SWDA without the 
corresponding valid certificate of registration or license to operate issued by the DSWD shall 
be penalized with a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not 
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or imprisonment ranging from one (1) 
year but not more than three (3) years at the discretion of the court. The penalties imposed 
are without prejudice to other penalties such as the seizure of equipment, instruments and 
other facilities of the SWDA. 
If the offender is a corporation, organization, or any similar entity, the officials or 
employees thereof who have directly participated in the violation shall be held liable therefore.  
If the offender is a foreigner, the offender, after serving the sentence, shall be deported 
immediately without further proceedings.  
If the offender is a government official or employee of the DSWD or any government 
agency, the offender shall be penalized in accordance with civil service rules and regulations. 
 
ARTICLE IX 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 42. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development shall include in 
the DSWD's programs the implementation of this Act, the initial funding of which shall be 
charged against the current year's appropriations of the DSWD. Thereafter, the amount 
necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.  
 
SEC. 43. Transitory Provision. - All unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs that are currently 
operating shall have a period of one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to apply for 
registration or license to operate with the DSWD.  


The DSWD shall notify all registered and licensed SWDAs in writing about the 
implementation of this Act within one hundred twenty (120) days from its effectivity. Upon 
compliance with the requirements, a new registration or license to operate shall be issued to 
them.  
 
SEC. 44. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) working days from its 
effectivity, the Secretary of the DSWD shall, in consultation with the DOF, DOJ, Department 
of the Interior and Local Government, DOLE. DBM, CSC, COA, SEC, Philippine National 
Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and other appropriate government agencies, as well 
as three (3) representatives from any of the coalition of SWDAs and social welfare and 
development workers, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the 
provisions of this Act.  
 
SEC. 45. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 46. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instruction, executive issuances, 
resolutions, orders or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.  
 
SEC. 47. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 Approved,