DSWD fails to disburse P83 billion in funds

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has failed to disburse over P83 billion of its allocated funds from 2019 and 2020, as well as from the Bayanihan laws.

Senator Franklin Drilon called the non-disbursement of these funds "almost criminal" given the needs of Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent typhoons.

The DSWD explained that challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions, mobility issues, validation processes, procurement and logistics problems, and health concerns for personnel, have hampered fund disbursement.

Despite these challenges, the DSWD spokesperson stated that the agency has not stopped delivering aid to Filipinos.

Senator Imee Marcos noted that P75 billion from the 2020 budget, P1.5 billion from 2019 allocations, P1.04 billion from Bayanihan 1, and P5.7 billion from Bayanihan 2 remained unobligated.

The DSWD's proposed budget for 2021 is P174.9 billion.