Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated over the weekend that the agency is not involved in the ongoing people’s initiative that pushes for the amendment of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

“The DSWD is not participating in the ongoing people’s initiative,” Gatchalian said over reports that those receiving aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development are being asked to sign a petition to amend the constitution.

He added that no additional requirements are being asked from clients who are requesting aid under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

“We assure our fellow citizens that the AICS program and all DSWD programs adhere strictly to their guidelines, with no additional requirements. Only the specified requirements will be maintained,” Gatchalian said.

He pointed out that the DSWD earlier issued a statement “clearly denying” allegations that the agency’s AICS program is being dragged in the ongoing people initiative’s charter change signature campaign.