SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REl'UBLIC OF THE l'IULIPl'INES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
___ .~~ ___ . ___ ~:_N_O_<_; 2_2 _________ ~ __ ._. ________ " ~~~ .~~~ 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
Explanatory Note 
The Non-Gove1'1lment Organization (NGO) sector in the Philippines is said to be one of 
the most dynamic in the world today. In comparison to other nations in the world, or at least in 
the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines has a bigger number of NGOs also known as Social 
Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) totaling to approximately three thousand one 
hundred thitty three (3,133) at prcsent. Through time, these SWDAs were proven to be effedive 
partners of the government in providing social welfare and development services to the poor, 
marginalized, disadvantaged and underprivileged sectors ofthe society. 
The role of SWDAs in our country is vast. In like manner, the SWDAs are very visible 
and well accepted in the Philippine society. A good number of l'iilipinos rely on SWDAs for 
social welfare and development services that the government has difficulty in providing such as 
advocacy programs against any form of abuse for women, children and youth, and institutional 
efforts like legal assistance, psycho-social interventions, training courses, educational assistance, 
job/occupational assistance, homelife and outreach activities. Records of the Department of 
Sodal Welfare and Development (DSWD) show that for the year 2:012, SWDAs in tbc country 
provided approximately 8,414 residential care services and 92, I 07 commnnity based services 
benefiting thousands of l'ilipinos who are mostly living in poverty. As SWDAs abound, latest 
trends show that 1110re and more individuals and groups have professed their intentions to 
establish their respective SWDAs. It is, thus, expected that SWDAs will contitlllC to grow in 
number. 
While the SWDAs arc seen to be effective pmillers in providing social welfare and 
development services to the needy sectors of the Philippine society, their working relationship 
with the government, particularly the DSWD is not withont problems. There are also issues and 
complaints concerning the legitimacy of SWDAs, the quality of service they provide to their 
benefIciaries and their working relationship with their partner organizations. To this end, it is 
imperative to enact rules and procedures that will govern the operation of SWDAs, from the 
mOlJlent it is established np to how it will undertake its program and activities. 
This measUl'e to be called as the "Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDA) Act 
(!f 2013" aims to encourage the participation of SWDAs in uplifting tbe quality of life of the 
poor and the disadvantaged. II likewise aims to strengthen the capacities of SWDAs to fulfill 
their goals of providing responsible and quality services to their target clients and beneficiaries 
through a mechanism for registration, licensing and accreditation. Under the bill, all SWDAs 
shall be registered, licensed and/or accredited with the DSWD. All programs and activities of the 
SWDAs shall also be reported to the DSWD for monitoring purposes. In return, incentives and 
bencllts, including, but not limited to provision oftechnical assistance in crafting and packaging 
proposals, endorsement for visa application and endorsement for exemption in taxes and duties 
will be provided to all registered, licensed and accredited SWDAs. 
The bill also seeks to enforce the regulatory functions of the: DSWD over the SWDAs as 
well as the public and private individuals, agencies and organizations engaged in social welfare 
and development activitics. The DSWD is given the mandate to set standards, rules and 


regulations that will govern the operations of all SWDAs. Consequently, it shall monilor the 
compliance of all SWDAs to the standards sct, and impose penalties and sanctions in case of 
non-compliance. In addition, the DSWD shall also be mandated to accept, investigate and 
perform preliminary proceedillgs for the eventual resolution of complaints. 
The mandate of the DSWD to set standards and impose penalties and sanctions is 
important to ensure the respect, protection and fulfillment of the rights of the poor, the 
vulnerable and thc disadvantaged who are considered as beneficiaries ofSWDAs. 
In the light of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
Illksbc 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF TilE l'lHLIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
AN ACT 
~§)C(:H-t \' 
1~;!dHr u i 'I!" -,:>q?bq~ 
'J'l 
.. JiIL 1 () 
(' I) 
L-
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION AND 
Un:NSING OJI SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES AND 
ACCREDITATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND 
SERVICES, AND API'ROPRIATING lIUNDS THERElIOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
1 
Article I 
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
3 
SECTION L Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Social Welfare and 
4 
Development Agencies (SWDAs) Act 01'2013". 
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to ensure that social welfare 
6 
and development programs and services in the pnblic and private sectors comply with national 
7 
social welfare and development standards and adhere to the principles of human rights. Towards 
8 
this end, the State shall set standards, register, license, accredit, and monitor social welfare and 
9 
development service providers, agencies, groups or organizations engaged in social welfare and 
10 
development activities and provide appropriate consultative mechanisms and necessary 
11 
assistance to them to cnsurc their compliance with the set standards and cope with the challenges 
12 
and demands of providing social welfare and development service:, to the poor, the vulnerable, 
13 
the marginalized, the disadvantaged, and the underprivileged sectors of Philippine society. 
14 
The State shall also promote am! strengthen the partnership among social welfare and 
15 
development agencies, national government agencies, local government units, non-government 
16 
organizations, faith-based organizations, and private sectors to include accessing of resources 
1.7 
between and among them f(Jr the upliftmenl of the poor, disadvantaged, marginalized, vulnerable 
18 
and underprivileged individuals, families, gronps, and communities in the conntry. 
19 
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all social welfare and development service 
20 
providers including individual, public and private groups, associations, and organizations that are 
21 
engaged in or want to engage in social welfare and development activities. 
22 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are herehy 
23 
delined as: 


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a. Accreditation - refers to the process of providing official recognition to the 
social welfare and development programs ancl services of registered and licensed social 
welfare agencies (SW As), aller meeting the minimum standards set by the government; 
b. 
Ben~ficiaries -
refer to the disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable 
individuals, groups, families, and communities availing themselves of any of the services 
offered by S WDAs which include, among others, the following: 
l. 
Abandoned, neglected, orphaned, voluntarily committed, ahused and 
exploited children and other children in need of special protection, such as 
children in conflict with the law and children involved in amled eonDict; 
n. 
iii. 
iv. 
v. 
vi. 
Out-of~school youth and other youth with special needs; 
Women in especially diflieult circumstances; 
Persons with disabilities; 
Senior dtizens; 
Marginalized 
and 
disadvantaged 
individuals, 
families, 
and 
communities, which shall include but not limited to indigenous people, people 
living with HIV/AIDS, those in crisis situation and internally displaced due to 
armed conflict and other developmental projects; and 
vii. 
Victims of natural and mati-made calamities or disasters; 
c. Department - refers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development; 
d. Dissolution - rcfers to voluntary or involnntary termination of operation of 
SWDAs; 
c. 
Intermediaries _. refer to persons, groups, networks of SWDAs, or local 
government units trained, accredited, and authorized by the Department to per/orm 
specific Functions in the process of registration, licensing, and accreditation; 
f. 
Licensing - refers to the provision of a permit and a legal authority to SWDAs 
to operate as social welfare agency, after having met or complied with minimum standard 
requirements provided under this Act; 
g. Operation ~- refers to either direct or indirect implementation of social welfare 
and development programs and services by a SWDA within a specified geographical area 
over a period of time using its own or tapped resources ancl conduits; 
h. Registered Social Worker -
refers to a worker who is a graduate of Bachelor 
of Science in Social Work or Master's Degree in Social Work and who has passed the 
social work licensure examination and with valid registration identification card isslIcd 
by the Professional Regulation Commission; 
1. 
Registration·~ refers to the official recognition of the operation of a SWDA 
within the purvicw of social welfare and development through the issuance of a 
certi11cate of registration by the Department and inclusion in the directory of SWDAs 
after having complied with the set requiremcnts of the Department; 


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J. 
Revocation _. refers to the cancellation of the registration, license, and 
accreditation certificates of a SWDA for the commission of any of the grounds as 
provided under this Act; 
k. Social Services - refer to those organized activities that are primarily and 
directly addressed to disadvantaged individuals or groups to maximize their social 
functioning; 
I. 
Social WelfiJl'c and Development Workers - refer to social workers or other 
8 
professionals who arc engaged in the delivery of social welfare and development 
9 
programs and services and arc accredited by the Depmiment. They may include social 
10 
workers managing court cases, marriage and pre .. marriage counselors, and day care 
11 
workers among others; 
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m. Social Welfilre - refers to an organized system of programs and serVIces 
13 
designed to aid individuals, groups, and communities to attain improved quality of life 
14 
and well-being in harmony with the needs oftheir families and community; 
15 
n. Social Welfitre and Development Agency (SWDA) - refers to a corporation, 
16 
organization, or association engaged in providing directly or indirectly social welfare and 
17 
development programs and services and obtains its finances either totally or in part, 
18 
joreign or local, from any government agency or instrumentality or from the community 
19 
by direct or indirect solicitations and other fund-generating activities as allthorized by 
20 
law; 
21 
o. Social Work - refers to the profession which helps individuals, families, 
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groups, and communities develop, improve, maintain, Of restore their capability for 
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coping with tlte demands of their environment through the use of social work methods 
24 
and interventions; 
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p. Suspension -
refers to the temporary cessation of operation as a form of 
26 
penalty imposed to a SWDA for commission of any of the ;grounds stipulated under this 
27 
Act. When a SWDA is under suspension, it shall neither accept nor admit any additional 
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clients and shall be under close supervision and monitoring by the Department; and 
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q. Unregistered SWDAs -
refer to agencies or organizations that provide direct 
30 
or indirect social welfare and development programs and services without registration 
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andlor license to operate from the Department. 
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Article II 
33 
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
34 
Sec. 5. Nature and PU11)Ose. - A SWDA shall be a non-stoek, non-protit organization or 
35 
association organized and operated for social welfare and development programs and services, 
36 
and no part orthc funds or donations in kind generated by the SWDA shall inure to the benefit of 
37 
any private individual but fc)r the benefit of the beneficiaries and its operating expcnses. 


1 
Sec. 6. ClassificatioT1s of SWDAs. - The two (2) main classifications of SWDAs and 
2 
their sub classificRtions shall be defined as follows: 
3 
a. Social Welfare Agency (SWA) - A SWDA which employs social workers, 
4 
community development workers, and other qualified paraprofessionals who have related 
5 
trainings and experiences that directly provide restorative, preventive, and developmcntal 
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programs and 
servic(~s to poor, vulnerable, marginalized, disadvantaged, and 
underprivileged individuals, families, groups, or communitie:l. A SW A may be classified 
as follows: 
1. 
Residential-Based Agency - A SWA that provides twenty-four (24) 
hour residential care services for abandoned, neglected, or voluntarily committed 
children; women; persons with disabilities; and older persons, among others; 
11. 
Community-Based Agency - A SW A that implements community-
based and street-based programs and services delivered to beneficiaries while in 
their home or in the community. These programs and services include senior 
citizens center, day care center, vocational rehabilitation center, a sponsorship or 
scholarship program, assistance to victims of disaster, and social services to 
individuals and families, among others; and 
iii. 
Child-Placing Agency -
A SW A that receives and processes 
applications of the prospective foster or adoptive parents and facilitates placement 
of children eligible for foster care or adoption. 
b. Auxiliary SWDA - A SWDA whieh provides supportive activities in the 
delivery of social welfare and development programs and services to the poor, 
vulnerable, marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged, sectors. 
An auxiliary 
SWDA may be classified as follows: 
1. 
People's Organization - A SWDA witll a bonafide 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, such as federation of senior citizens, youth 
organizations, and associations of women and persons with disabilities, among 
others; 
1\. Resource Agency - A SWDA that provides tangibles, such as funds, 
food, clothing, medicines, and shelter; or intangibles, such as knowledge and 
skills to help various SWDAs to achieve their goals in providing social welfare 
and development services for their heneficiaries; and 
iii. Social Welfare and Development Network - A grol1p of SWDAs that 
organized themselves for a common goal in promoting social protection of the 
poor, vulnerable, marginalized, disadvantaged and underprivileged gronps, such 
as coalition, alliance or federation. 


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Sec. 7. Service DelivelJ! Mode. - The manner by which social welfare and development 
2 
programs and serviccs are delivered which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the 
3 
following: 
1\ 
a. Residential-Based Mode - refers to thc programs and services where group 
5 
care is provided to residents under the guidance of a trained staff and within a structured 
6 
therapeutic environment with the ohjective of reintegrating a person with the family or 
7 
community 01', in case of children, until such time when a better alternative parental care 
8 
is providcd. This program may a Iso be provided for those children pursuing formal 
9 
education away from their family; and 
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b. Community-Based Mode - rci'crs to the programs and services rendered when 
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the helping process takes place ill the community as the primary client systcm or when 
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social welfare and development activities are provided to individuals, groups, or families 
13 
while they remain in their homes. It is characterized by interaction between the client 
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and worker in the community in relation to the resolution of identified problems and 
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concerns. These include, but not limited to, senior citizens center, day carc center, drop-
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in center, vocational rehabilitation center, sponsorship or scholarship program, alternative 
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placement service, assistance to victims of disaster, and social services to individuals and 
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families, among others, while in their home or in the community. 
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Sec. 3. Administration and Manogement. - A SWDA shall be managed by individuals 
20 
whose qualifications meet the criteria set under the rules and regulations to be issued to 
21 
implement this Act. It may be operated by national government agencies, local governmcnt 
22 
units, government-owned and -controlled corporations, state universities or colleges, private 
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individnals, educational institutions, civic organizations or faith-based organizations as part of 
24 
their extension services or social welfare activities or projects. For SWDAs operated by private 
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institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations, at least sixty percent (60%) of 
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its board of trustees shall be Filipinos. 
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Sec. 9. Salaries, Wages, and Other Benefits. - The SWDA shall comply with all existing 
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and relevant labor laws and regulations regarding the salaries, wag"s, and benefits of employees 
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provided these are within the minimnm standards set by the Civil Service Commission and the 
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Department of Lahor and Employment. The standard salary scale for social workers and other 
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social welfare and development workers of the SWDAs shall be set by the Civil Service 
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Commission and Department of Labor and Employment, in consultation with the Department of 
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Budget and Managcment. 
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Sec. 10. Operating Expenses. - The SWDA shall utilize at least eighty percent (80%) of 
35 
its funds for direct social welfare and dcvelopment programs and services and not more than 
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twenty percent (20%) shall be expended for administrative concerns. Funds of the SWDA shall 
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be deposited in the name of the organization in a banking institution regulated by the Bangko 
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Scntral ng Pilipinas. 
Financial transactions, book of accounts, and other reports shall be 


1 
available to the public, agency staff, and other concerned individuals or agencies for 
2 
transparency and monitoring purposes. 
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The Department, in consultation with public and private SWDAs, shall set standards to 
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determine specific expenditures for program and administrative expenses. 
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Sec. 11. Submission (il Reports. - All SWDAs shall submit to the Department their 
6 
annual accomplishment and financial reports duly audited by an external certified public 
7 
accountant or a representative from the Commission on Andit, as the case may be, and other 
8 
reports as may be required by the Department. Financial reports of SWDAs whose total income 
9 
and expenditures are less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000) shall be audited by its 
10 
internal auditor. 
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The annual reports shall be submittcd to the Department within one hundred twenty (120) 
12 
days after the end of every fiscal year. 
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Article III 
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REGISTRATION, LICENSING, AND ACCREDITATION 
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Sec. 12. Registration. - All SWDAs as classified under Section G of this Act shall first 
16 
register with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Cooperative Development Authority 
17 
for plll'jJoses of establishing their juridical personality. Within six (6) months from the issuance 
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of1he Certificate of Registration from the said government agencies, the concerned SWDA shall 
19 
apply for registration with the Department. The requirements for registration of a SWDA shall 
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include, but shall not be limited to, the following: 
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a. Certified 1me copy of registration with either the Securities and Exchange 
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Commission or the Cooperative Development Authority; 
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b. Manual of Operation or Handbook of its programs and administrative policies, 
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procedures, and strategies to attain its purposes; 
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c. At least two (2) years approved Work and Financial Plan for the 
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implementation of its programs and services indicating the planned activities and 
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corresponding amonnt of funds and sources of donations; 
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d. At least one (J) year audited financial report for a S WDA which IS m 
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operation for at least two (2) years upon application; 
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e. Diagram of physical fllcilities which shall be designed to promote the safety 
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and security of its beneficiaries and staff, including location map and other documents 
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showing ownership or legal custody of property where the SWDA shall operate from; 
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and 
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f. 
Thc names of qualitied technical and administrative staff and a copy of their 
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licenses or certificates of professional eligibilities. 
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Sec. 13. 
Licensing. -- All SW As as classified under Section G of this Act shall comply 
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with the requirements for licensing which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: 


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a. Documentation showing that it is engaged in social welfare and development 
2 
programs and services; 
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b. Certification showing that has in its employ the necessary number of 
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Registered Social Workers, community development workers, and other employees 
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trained on specific programs and services to be implemented and a copy of their 
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respective licenses or certificates of professional eligibilities; and 
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c. Certification of the record of cases it has or is currently managing and social 
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welfare and development programs and services implemented. 
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The registration and licensing of a SW A can be done simultaneously. Upon approval, a 
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Certificate of Registration and License to Operate shall be issued. 
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Sec. 14. Exemption Ji'om Registration and Licensing. - All Department residential care 
12 
facilities, social service units of local government units, public hospitals, courts, and other social 
13 
welfare facilities of national govemment agencies and government-owned and -controlled 
14 
corporations, by virtue of the legal bases of their establishment or charters, are exempted from 
15 
securing registration and license to operate from the Department. 
However, they shall be 
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required to apply for accreditation following the same requirements and standards and shall be 
17 
subjected to regular monitoring by the Department. 
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Sec. 15. Accreditation. _. All social welfare and development programs ancl services of 
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registered and licensed SW As shall be accredited by the Department or its authorized 
20 
intermediaries within one (1) year after the issuance of a license to operate. The applicant must 
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have complied with the standards set by the Department on administration and organization, 
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program management, case management, helping strategies or interventions, physical structures 
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and safety, and client protection policy, among others. 
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Sec. 16. Fees and Charges. - All applications for registration, license, and accreditation 
25 
shall be charged with corresponding fees to be determined by (he Department. The fees and 
26 
charges shall be deposited with the National Treasury as income of the general fund. 
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Sec. 17. Validity. - The Certificates of Registration and Licensc to Operate shall be 
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valid for five (5) years. The Accreditation Certificate shall be valid for three (3) to five (5) years 
29 
depending on the compliance of the SWDA with accreditation standards. 
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In case of failure by the Department to act on an applicatiotl for renewal of registration, 
31 
license, and accreditation within one hundred (100) working days upon submission of complete 
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requirements by the SWDA, the existing certificate shall remain valid until the Department has 
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processed its application. 
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Article IV 
35 
HENEI?ITS AND PRIVILEGES 
36 
OF SOCIAL WELl?ARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
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Sec. 18. 
Benejils and Privileges 0/ Registered SWDAs. - Registered SWDAs shall be 
38 
entitled to the following: 


1. 
a. Inclusion in the Directory of Registered, Licensed and Accredited SWDAs; 
2 
b. Technical assistance in the arcas of capability building, packaging of project 
3 
proposal, provision of program materials and skills enhancement to strengthen program 
4 
and service implementation; 
5 
e. Endorsement to other government agencies on the availment of missionary or 
6 
working visas of {()feign board members, employees, or volunteers subjed (0 eligibility 
"1 
requirements for securing visas; 
8 
d. Endorsement to tilc Department of Finance for duty free importation of 
9 
foreign donations subject to compliance with set requirements; and 
10 
e. Other benefits and privileges deemed appropriate by the Department. 
11 
Sec. 19. Benefits and Privileges of Licensed SWAs. - In addition to the benefits and 
12 
privilegcs of a registered SWDA, a licensed SW A shall be cntitled to the following: 
13 
a. Endorsement to the Department of Finance for duty and tax free importation 
14 
of foreign donations subject to compliance with set requirements; 
15 
b. Resource augmentation for program implementation, subject to compliance 
16 
with the requirements as may be established by the Department; and 
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c. Other benefits and privileges deemed appropriate by the Department. 
18 
Sec. 20. Benefits and Privileges of Accredited SWAs. - In addition to the benefits and 
19 
privileges of registered SWDAs and licensed SWAs, accredited SW As shall be entitled to the 
20 
following: 
21 
a. Endorsement to the Department of Finance for donee-institution status and 
22 
other relevant tax incentives as provided by law; 
23 
b. Endorsement for resource augmentation or other assistance [Tom any 
24 
government agencies or private donors subject to complianc(: to set criteria; 
25 
e. Endorsement to the utility service providers for at least fifty percent (50%) 
26 
discount on the cost of electricity, water consumption and telephone service to the 
27 
residential care, group homes, and community center based facilities that are operated 
28 
exclusively for the beneficiaries subject to the set requir<~ments of the utility service 
29 
providers; 
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d. Endorsement to concerned government agenCle:> and private establishments 
31 
for at least fifty percent (50%) discount for the processing of documents of intended 
32 
beneficiaries such as birth registration, passport, safety certificates, among others, for 
33 
residential care and community based SW A facilities; 
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e. Assistance in establishing linkages with local, national and international 
35 
organizations and networks for the generation and sharing of resources; 
36 
37 
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f. 
Nomination of 
board members, employees, or volunteer workers to 
participate as prescntors or resource speakers in local or foreign trainings or conferences; 
g. Plaque ofrceognition as a model SWDA; 


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h. Cash incentive, among others, depending on availability of funds; 
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Laboratory for trainings and research; and 
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Othcr benefits and privileges deemed appropriate by the Department. 
Article V 
5 
OTHER RI~GULATORY l'OWERS AND FUNCTIONS 011 THE DEPARTMENT 
6 
Sec. 21. 
Monitoring and Evaluation oj'SWDAs. -
The Department shall conduct 
7 
monitoring and evaluation of all SWDAs every six (6) months to one (I) year to ensure that their 
8 
social welfare and development programs and services are implemented as planned. The result 
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of monitoring and evaluation shall be used to address problems and issues and to provide the 
10 
li'amework of interventions o[the Department. 
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Sec. 22. Dissolution (!f SWDAs. - Any of the following shall be a ground for dissolution 
12 
orclosureofaSWDA: 
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a. Inability of SWDA officers to sustain its operation; 
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b. Non-compliance or violation of any provision of this Act; or 
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c. Other causes as may be determined by the Department. 
16 
The Constitution and By-laws/Articles of Incorporation of SWDAs shall explicitly state 
17 
that in case of dissolution, the asscts, afier payment of all financial liabilities, shall be utilized for 
18 
social welfare and deVelopment activities. Tn the absence of such provisions in the Constitution 
19 
and By-Laws/Articles of Incorporation of SWDAs, the Department shall issuc recommendatory 
20 
guidelines in the disposition of assets of the dissolved or closed SWDAs. 
21 
Sec. 23. Recommendation to Obtain Donee-institution Status. -- The Department shall be 
22 
the only agency to rccommend or endorse to the Department of Finance the conferment of a 
23 
donee-institntion status and the grant of other tax benefits to accredited SWDAs. 
24 
Sec. 24. Deputation (if Intermediaries. - Authorized intermediaries may be deputized by 
25 
the Department to conduct assessment of SWDAs and social welfare and development workers 
26 
for purposes of registration, licensing, and accreditation. The Department shall provide those 
27 
deputized with transportation or subsidy allowance in accordance with the rules and regulations 
28 
of the Commission on Audit. Further, the Department shall provide continnous capacity-building 
29 
aetivitics to the deplltized intermediaries. 
30 
Sec. 25. investigation and Resolution of Complaints. - Tbe Department shall accept 
31 
complaints, investigate, and initiate appropriate proceedings on cases involving SWDAs. Upon 
32 
lawful cause, the Department shall suspend or revoke the Registration, License and Accreditation 
33 
Celtificates and close the facilities in coordination with the concerned Jaw enforcement agencies 
34 
withont prejudice to filing of criminal or civil case against erring offIcials and personnel. 
35 
Article VI 
36 
COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
37 
Sec. 26. Sources 0.[ Complaints. - Complaints against a SWDA lllay come from any of 
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the following sources: 


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a. Report of an authorized personnel or office of the Dcpartment based on the 
assessment and monitoring of standard compliance and program and service 
implementation; 
b. Report ii·Olll the SWDNs clients or beneilciarics; 
c. Verbal information th)lu a pcrson, group, or organization; 
d. Signed and unsigned letters, documents, or reports; 
e. Printed materials or articles in newspapers, magazines, and similar 
publications; 
f. 
Iniortllation sent or received through broadcast or electronic media and 
10 
information and conullunication technology devices, such as text messages and emails; or 
11 
g. Other sources of information, such as minutes of mecting, consultation, and 
12 
fora. 
13 
In case of verbal and unsigned information, the Department shall conduct a validation on 
14 
alleged violations or actions of the SWDA being reported. If and when this is not possible, these 
15 
shall be documented by the receiving personnel or omce of the Department. 
Documented 
16 
information and printcd materials shall be dealt with according to the procedures in handling 
17 
complaints or information. 
18 
Sec. 27. Who May File a Complaint. - A complaint against a SWDA may be filed with 
19 
the Department by any of the following complainants: 
20 
a. Offended party; 
21 
b. Parent or legal guardian of a client; 
22 
c. Ascendant or collateral relative of the client, such as child, within the third 
23 
degree of afilnity or consanguinity; 
24 
d. Duly authorized officer or social worker ofthe Department; 
25 
c. Offlcer, social worker or representative of a registercd, licensed, and 
26 
accredited SWDA; 
27 
f 
Barangay chairman or other local government official; or 
28 
g. Person who has personal knowledge of the ads complained about or reported 
29 
for action. 
30 
Sec. 28. Rel,iew Committees. _. There shall be a Field Office Review Committee and a 
31 
Central Office Review Committee to handle cases and resolve complaints against unregistered or 
32 
unlicensed, registered, licensed, and accredited SWDAs. If complaints and violations involving 
33 
SWDA operating in one (I) region or operating in more than one (I) region, the Field Office 
34 
Review Committee that has jurisdiction over the alTa/s where tIlt: cases happened, shall have 
35 
exclusive jurisdiction to handle and resolve the said complaints or violations. The decisions, 
36 
orders, or findings of the Field Ollice Rcview Committee shall be appealable to the Central 
37 
Office Review Committee. 


1 
The composition of the Field Otllce Review Committee and Central OfJiee Review 
2 
Committee shall be determined by the Department: Provided, That there shall be two (2) 
3 
representatives from licensed or accredited SWDAs who are members of the network organized 
4 
by the Department. The representatives shall be provided with subsidy or transportation 
5 
allowance in accordance with the Commission on Audit rules and regulations. 
6 
Sec. 29. Procedures. - The procedures in handling and resolving of complaints and 
7 
appeals by the Field Office Review Committee and the Central OfTice Review Committee shall 
8 
be made in accordance with the existing rules and procedures ofthe Department. 
9 
Sec. 30. Suspension, Revocation, or Closure. - The Certificates of Registration, License, 
10 
or Accreditation issued to SWDA shall be suspended or revoked if, afler due process, the 
11 
Department finds that the SWDA has failed to perform its functions or has violated existing 
12 
laws, rules, and regulations. 
13 
In case of revocation, the Departmcnt shall, after two (2) consecutive notices, close the 
14 
SWDA. Likewise, the Department shall close unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs. The 
15 
suspension, revocation of license, or closure of a SWDA shall be without prejudice to the filing 
16 
of criminal or civil case undcr existing laws. 
17 
Sec. 31. Grounds/or Suspension. - The grounds for suspension of a SWDA shall inclnde, 
18 
but shall not be limited to, the following: 
19 
a. Inability to continue support and maintain its operation or to perform the 
20 
functions for which it was granted registration and license; 
21 
b. Non-compliance with social case management standards; 
22 
c. Poor sanitation of facilities and surroundings rendering these unfit for 
23 
clientele; 
24 
d. Failure to submit annual accomplishment and audited financial repOlis for two 
25 
(2) consecutive years; or 
26 
e. Failure to apply for accreditation or renewal 0 t' accreditation after two (2) 
27 
consecutive notifications and monitoring visits and technical assistance of every SIX 
28 
months by the Department or authorized intermediaries. 
29 
Sec. 32. Grou/1ds/or Revocation (l License. - The grounds for revocation of license of a 
30 
SWDA shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: 
31 
a. Use or SWDA for immoral purposes such as, but not limited to, trafficking, 
32 
gambling, prostitution, money laundering, and terrorist financing; 
33 
b. Neglect, exploitation and abuse of SWDA clients; 
34 
c. Cessation of operation as SWDA; 
35 
d. Mismanagement of funds; 
36 
e. 
Falsification of the requirements for registration, licensing, and accreditation; 
37 
38 
f. 
Revocation of its registration from juridical personality from the Securities 
and Exchange Commission or other regulatory agency; or 


1 
g. NOll-compliance of SWDAs Oll the agreed action plan dnring the accreditation 
2 
assessment for two (2) consecutive monitoring visits with interval of six (6) months by 
3 
the Department; or 
4 
A.-ticle VII 
5 
IMPLEMENTATION OF Tim LAW AND RULE MAKING AUTHORITY, 
6 
Sec. 33. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Depatiment shall, in consultation 
7 
with the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local 
8 
Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Budget and Management, 
9 
Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, Securities and Exchange Commission, 
10 
Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bnreau of Immigration and 
1.1 
Deportation, and other concerned government agencies, as well as three (3) representatives from 
12 
any of the coalition of SWDAs and social welfare and development workers, promulgate the 
13 
necessary rules and regulations within ninety (90) working days from the effectivity of this Act. 
14 
Other policies and procedures necessary in carrying out the provisions of this Act shall likewise 
15 
be issucd by the Department. 
16 
Sec. 34. Assis(ance from Law EnjiJrcemcnt AgenCies. - Law enforcement agencies such 
17 
as the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation" and Bureau of Immigration 
18 
and Deportation shall provide assistance to the Department in the enforcement of this Act. 
19 
Sec. 35. Immunity of Officer or Staff - The duly authori7.ed officer or staff of the 
20 
Department and law enforcemcnt agency involved in the implementation and enforcement of this 
21 
Act and who acted in accordance with the due process clause of the Constitution shall be exempt 
22 
from any civil, criminal, and administrative liability. 
23 
A.·tide VIn 
24 
FINAL I'ROVISIONS 
25 
Sec. 36. Penalties. - Any person, group, or organization that shall operate as SWDA 
26 
without registration or license shall be penalized with a fine of not less than One Hundred 
27 
Thousand Pesos (1'100,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (1'500,000.00) 
28 
andlor an imprisonment ranging from one (I) year to three (3) years at the discrelion of the 
29 
court. 
30 
If the offender is a corporation, organization, or any similar entity, the officials or 
31 
cmployecs thereof directly involved shall be liable therefor. 
32 
If the offender is a foreigner, the offender shall be referred immediately to the 
33 
Department of Justice for appropriate action. 
34 
If the offender is an oflicial or employee of the Department or any government agcncy, 
35 
thc offender shall be penalized in accordance with the Civil Service rules and regulations. 
36 
Sec. 37. 1imlsitory Provision. - All SWDAs required to be registered and/or to be 
37 
liccnsed under this Act but currently operating without registration and/or license trom the 
38 
Department shall have a period of one (I) year from the issuance of the IRR to apply for 


1. 
registration or license to operate with the Department. Likewise, within sixty (60) days from the 
2 
effectivity of this Act, the Dcpartment shall notify all registered and licensed SWDAs on the 
3 
implcmentation of this Act. 
Upon compliance of required documents, new registration and 
4 
license to operate shall be issued. 
5 
Sec. 38. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and 
6 
Development shall include in the Department's programs tbe implementation of this Act, the 
7 
initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the 
8 
Department. Thereafter, the amount necessary for its continued implementation shall be included 
9 
in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
10 
Sec. 39. Separabi/i(y Clause. -
Should any provision of this Act be found 
11 
unconstitutional by a court of law, such provision shall be severed Irom the remainder of this 
12 
Act, and such action shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions ofthis Act. 
13 
Sec. 40. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instructions, resolutions, orders, 
14 
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
15 
modified, or amended accordingl y. 
16 
Sec. 41. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
1.7 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,