The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading two key measures, including a bill seeking to institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and another extending the estate tax amnesty.
House Bill No. 6636, which aims to make AICS a regular program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was approved with 270 affirmative votes, eight negative votes, and two abstentions.
If enacted, AICS would become a permanent DSWD program funded under the annual national budget, similar to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
“To effectively respond to the individuals in crisis situation, each qualified target beneficiary shall receive financial, medical, transportation, food, material assistance, and other assistance,” the bill stated.
The measure provides that assistance may include psychosocial support or intervention, disability support services, and legal consultation based on the assessment of DSWD social workers.
It also mandates that “appropriate documentation as provided for in the DSWD AICS Guidelines shall support all disbursements of funds.”
The bill further identifies as illegal acts the interference of local government officials in AICS implementation and the use of falsified documents or fraudulent acts to acquire aid.
The House likewise approved House Bill No. 6614 extending the estate tax amnesty until December 31, 2028, for the taxes of decedents who died before December 31, 2024.
The measure was approved unanimously, with 280 lawmakers voting in favor and no objections or abstentions.
HB No. 6614 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 11569, which was enacted to enhance revenue collection by granting amnesty on unpaid estate taxes, amid delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.