Unlicensed charitable groups beware

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated yesterday that all charitable organizations and social welfare and development (SWD) programs have to secure a valid certificate of registration and license to operate (CRLTO) from the agency before they can legally operate.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao warned that operating without a valid CRLTO from the DSWD is punishable under Republic Act 4373 as amended by RA 10847.

“Charitable institutions and organizations operating as social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) without securing the needed registration and license from the department is a violation of the law, and with due penalties once proven,” Dumlao said.

Under the law, any person, corporation or entity operating as a SWDA, without a valid CRLTO from the DSWD shall be fined with a minimum of P100,000 up to a maximum of P500,000. Moreover, proven violators of the law will face imprisonment of not less than a year up to three years, at the discretion of the court. 

An SWDA refers to any organization that engages mainly and generally in programs and services that promote social welfare and development to one or more clientele group.

Dumlao said that as part of DSWD regulatory functions mandated by RA 10847, the agency issues registration, license and accreditation certificates to ensure quality standards in the implementation of SWD programs and services.