TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill was approved on Second Reading by the House of Representatives during 
the 19th Congress. 
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 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
July 14, 2025
8:01 am
1806


TWENTIETH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session  
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR THE REGISTRATION AND 
LICENSING OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, ACCREDITATION 
OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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. To 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, and groups or 
organizations engaged in social welfare and development activities. It shall promote and 
strengthen partnership among social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs), national 
government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), nongovernmental 
organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and the private sector by including easy 
access of resources between and among them and enable mutual beneficial relationships 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 public or private corporations, organizations or 
associations operating in the Philippines, with the primary purpose of implementing or 
intending to implement social welfare and development programs and deliver 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: 
(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 programs and services 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; 
1806


(2) Out-of-school youth and other youth with special needs; 
(3) Women; 
(4) Persons with disabilities or differently abled persons; 
(5) Senior citizens or elderly; 
(6) Dysfunctional families; 
(7) Internally displaced individuals and communities such as victims or 
survivors of natural or human-induced calamities or disasters or armed conflict; 
and 
(8) 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; 
(e) 
Registration refers to the process of assessing the applicant agency 
and determining whether its intended purpose is within the purview of SWDA for 
Accreditation above. 
(f) 
Revocation refers to the cancellation of the registration, license, or 
accreditation certificates of the SWDA for the commission of any act specified among 
the grounds for revocation in this Act; 
(g) 
Service providers refers to pre-marriage counselors accredited by the 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and who have satisfactorily 
complied with the set requirements and standards;  
(h) 
Social Welfare and Development Agency refers to persons  
implementing or intending to implement, mainly or generally, social welfare and 
development programs and deliver services in the Philippines, either directly or 
indirectly, and assessed as having the capacity to operate administratively, 
technically and financially to serve the beneficiaries as defined in this Act; 
(i) 
Social Welfare and Development (SWD) 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; 
(j) 
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; 
(k) 
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; 
(l) 
Standards Bureau refers to the DSWD office responsible for fulfilling the 
regulatory and quality assurance measures by setting standards in the management 
and regulation of SWDAs, service providers, and other regulated entities in the public 
and private sectors as they implement social welfare and social protection 
interventions for the beneficiaries as defined in this Act; and 
(m) 
Unregistered or unlicensed SWDAs refer to those persons, 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 (SWA) 
or an auxiliary SWDA:  
1. 
Social Welfare Agency (SWA) – An entity, corporation or organization, private or 
governmental, that engages mainly and generally, or represents itself to engage in social 
welfare work, whether case work, group work, or community work, and obtains its finances, 
either totally or in part, from any agency or instrumentality of the government and/or from the 
community by direct or indirect solicitations and/or fund drives, and/or private endowment. 
1.1. Public SWA – An organization managed by the NGA or LGUs that includes: 
1.1.1. 
Residential-based refers to an alternative form of family care 
providing 24-hour group living on a temporary basis to beneficiaries whose 
basic needs cannot be met by their families and/or relatives or by any other 
form of alternative family care for a period of time; and 
1.1.2. 
Center-based refers to non-residential psychosocial services 
rendered in physical facilities, referred to as "centers", on a daily basis or 
during part of the day addressing crisis or developmental concern of an 
individual, group or family. Beneficiaries in center-based services have 
families to return to after each segment of the brief treatment or 
developmental program, rendered up to a maximum of three (3) weeks.  
1.2. Private SWA - refers to corporations, organizations, or associations duly 
established and/or recognized under Philippine laws performing SWD activities, and 
as classified as:  
 
 
1.2.1. Residential-based as defined in 1.1.1; 
 
 
1.2.2. Center-based as defined in 1.1.2; and  
 
 
1.2.3. Community-based SWA. – An SWA that implements community-
based or street-based programs and deliver services to beneficiaries while 
in their homes 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; 
2.  Auxiliary SWDA – an SWDA which provides indirect SWD programs and services 
(e.g., provision of funds and/or in-kind, capacitating staff of other SWAs through training, 
research, and advocacy) to beneficiaries through intermediaries or partnership with other 
organizations. It is classified into:  
 
2.1. People's organization - refers to a bona-fide association of citizens with 
demonstrated capacity to promote public interest and with identifiable leadership, 
membership, and structure, which provide SWD  services beyond its members; 
 
 
2.2. Resource agency - refers to an auxiliary SWDA that provides in cash and/or in-
kind assistance such as food, clothing, medicines, educational, shelter and 
programs and services like technical assistance, training, research, and advocacy 
to other implementing SWDAs or directly to the beneficiaries; and  
 
 
2.3.   SWD network - refers to a group of SWDAs which organized themselves for 
a common goal in promoting social protection for the poor, the vulnerable, and 
disadvantaged beneficiaries. 
 
 
 
SEC. 6. Administration and Management. – An SWDA shall 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 SWD programs and projects. 
 
SEC. 7. 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 SWD workers of the SWDAs, the pay scale set by the CSC 
and the DOLE shall, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), 
be followed. 
 
SEC. 8. Operating Expenses. – An SWDA shall utilize at least seventy percent (70%) of its 
funds for direct SWD 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. 
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, subject to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and with current bank secrecy 
laws.  
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 shall, in consultation with public and private SWDAs, set standards to 
determine specific expenditures for program and administrative expenses. 
 
SEC. 9. 
Submission of Reports. – All SWDAs 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 
 
SEC. 10. 
Registration. – (a) Subject to Republic Act No. 10847, entitled “An Act Lowering 
the Age Requirement for Applicants Taking the Board Examination for Social Workers, 
Providing for Continuing Social Work Education, and Upgrading the Sundry Provisions 
Relative to the Practice of Social Work” and DSWD process, all corporations, organizations, 
or associations that are planning to engage in SWD activities shall apply for a DSWD 
certificate of registration and license to operate. To be officially recognized as an SWDA 
operating within the purview of SWD, 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 of the entity; 
(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. 11. Licensing.  – An SWDA 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 SWD 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. 12. 
Exemption from Registration. – 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. However, prior to its operation, it shall secure a license to 
operate from the DSWD. The public SWDA shall apply for accreditation and shall be subjected 
to regular monitoring by the DSWD. 
 
SEC. 13. Accreditation. – All SWD programs and services of registered and licensed SWAs 
shall be accredited by the DSWD or its authorized intermediaries not later than two (2) years 
after the issuance of a license to operate. An 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 
beneficiary protection policy prior to the accreditation of its programs and services. 
 
SEC. 14. 
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. 15. 
Validity. – The certificate of registration shall be valid within the effectivity period 
of the entity's certificate of registration. Meanwhile, the license to operate is valid for five (5) 
years and the certificate of accreditation shall be valid for a period of five (5) to seven (7) years 
depending on the level of accreditation: Provided, That the issued certificate of registration, 
license to operate, and accreditation shall remain valid unless earlier suspended or revoked 
as prescribed in Section 27 of this Act: Provided further, That the existing certificate shall 
remain valid until the DSWD has acted on an application for renewal which must be filed within 
sixty (60) days prior to the expiration.  


ARTICLE IV 
BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF SOCIAL  
WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 
 
SEC. 16. 
Benefits and Privileges of Registered and Licensed SWDAs. – Registered and 
licensed SWDAs are 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. 17.  Benefits and Privileges of SWDAs with Accredited SWD Programs and Services. – 
SWDAs with accredited SWD programs and services shall be entitled to the following:  
(a) 
DSWD’s endorsement to the Department of Finance (DOF) for duty- 
and tax-free importation of foreign donations in kind 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;   
(c) 
A discount shall be granted on the consumption of electricity, water and 
telephone service to the residential care, and community center-based facilities that 
are operated exclusively for the beneficiaries subject to set requirements and 
discretion of the utility service providers;  
 
  
(d) 
At least a ten percent (10%) discount from concerned government 
agencies and private establishments for the processing of documents of intended 
beneficiaries, such as birth registration, passport, and safety certificates, among 
others: Provided, That private establishments may avail of the granted discount as 
allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of computing their taxable 
income;  
(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 presenters or resource speakers in local or foreign training or 
conferences;  
(g)       Plaque or recognition as a model SWDA; 
(h)       Cash incentives; 
(i) 
DSWD’s endorsement of the SWA as an agency for research and other 
learning opportunities such as Lakbay Aral; and  
(j) Other benefits and privileges as may be deemed appropriate by the DSWD.  
 
SEC. 18. 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 in kind 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. 19. 
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 SWD 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. 20. 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 SWD 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its appropriate action. 
 
SEC. 21. Deputation of Intermediaries. – Authorized intermediaries may be deputized by the 
DSWD to conduct an assessment of the operation of an SWDA and SWD 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. 22. 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. 23. 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 or information transmitted through social 
media, 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. 24. 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 beneficiary; 
(c) 
Ascendant or collateral relative of the beneficiary, 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 
SWDAs; 
(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. 25. 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. 26. 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. 27. 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 28 and 29 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. 28. 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 
beneficiaries; 
(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;  
(g) 
Failure to comply with the standards of accreditation; or  
(h) 
Other causes as may be determined by the DSWD. 
 
SEC. 29. 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 beneficiaries;  
(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. 30. 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. 
SWDAs 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. 31. 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 SWD 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. 32. 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.  
 
SEC. 33. 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 
SWD 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 SWD programs and 
services for the welfare of the beneficiaries; 
(c) 
Register qualified organizations engaged in SWD programs; 
(d) 
License SWAs; 
(e) 
Accredit SWD 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. 34. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern (OSSP).- The Standards Bureau shall 
determine the OSSP subject to the evaluation and approval of the DBM and in accordance 
with the CSC and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.  
 
SEC. 35. 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 the efficient monitoring and enforcement of compliance with standards 
set for the delivery of programs and services.  
 
SEC. 36. Additional Plantilla Positions. – The Standards Bureau may create additional plantilla 
positions subject to the review and approval of the DBM and in accordance with the civil 
service and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.  
 
 
 
 
 
 


ARTICLE VIII 
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS 
 
SEC. 37. 
Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies. – Law enforcement agencies such 
as the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Bureau 
of Immigration shall provide assistance to the DSWD in the enforcement of this Act. 
 
SEC. 38. 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. 39. Penalties. –Any person, group, or organization that operates as an 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. 40. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DSWD. Thereafter, such 
amount shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.  
 
SEC. 41. 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. 42. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) working days from its 
effectivity, the Secretary of the DSWD shall, in consultation with the DOF, Department of 
Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, DOLE, DBM, CSC, COA, SEC, 
PNP, NBI, and other appropriate government agencies, as well as three (3) representatives 
from any of the coalition of SWDAs and SWD workers, promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 43. 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. 44. 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. 45. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,