Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
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 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution promotes participatory governance. Article II, 
Section 23 thereof provides that “[t]he State shall encourage non-governmental, 
community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the 
nation.” 
Since the restoration of our democracy in 1986, non-government 
organizations (NGOs) and other civil society groups have evolved over the 
decades and increased their effectiveness through coalition building, 
campaigning for policy reform, adoption of good practice standards, and 
advancing social justice towards the vision of sustainable development. 
With the goal of increasing the efficiency of various social welfare 
programs to assist the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, greater 
coordination of NGOs with the government is essential. Complementing the 
mission of these NGOs to deliver social services with government is the duty 
of the State to oversee and establish a procedure in which legitimate NGOs 
and the private sector groups and agencies can engage, collaborate, and co-
implement projects and programs using both public and their respective 
resources legally and legitimately.  
We have seen numerous successful initiatives and efforts by our 
partners outside government in this social endeavor. On the part of the 
November 14, 2022
12:41 pm
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government, aside from granting our non-government partners with 
incentives, it is imperative that we ensure the full protection of the 
beneficiaries against the malpractice, abuse, and even exploitation by private 
individuals, agencies and organizations engaged in providing social welfare 
and development services. These institutions, which are supposed to be 
operating to perform humanitarian functions, shall be protected from corrupt 
individuals who seek to manipulate the resources meant for the beneficiaries 
for personal gains. 
This version of the Social Welfare and Development Agencies Bill has 
been approved by the Committee on Social Services in the 18th Congress but 
has failed to pass into law. However, this bill is hereby refiled to honor the 
tedious committee consultations and deliberations with stakeholders done in 
previous congresses. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
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 the 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.” 
SECTION 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 (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), 
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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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the term: 
(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
SWDAs, 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 (SWDA) 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 


SECTION 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 (P500,000.00) 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 


SECTION 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 
. 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 donee 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. 
 
SECTION 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 
 
SECTION 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.  
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 servingthe 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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,