Sen. Erwin T thanks colleagues for supporting passage of AICS Act

On May 13, 2026

SENATOR Erwin Tulfo expressed his profound appreciation for the support of a new measure that would institutionalize government support for those in crisis situation to be known as the AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) Act.

“I wish to place on record my profound gratitude and deep appreciation as this august chamber approves on Third Reading Senate Bill No. 1966, under Committee Report No. 46, entitled, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS Act,” Tulfo said in a manifestation at the Senate Plenary on May 12.

His expression of gratitude to his colleagues crossed party lines as the Senate the day before had a change of leadership with the election by the majority of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the new Senate President.

The development placed Tulfo in the new Minority Bloc and his vacating the position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development.

“This legislation goes beyond merely institutionalizing assistance. It institutionalizes the spirit of malasakit in public service.

“More importantly, it affirms our collective duty as public servants to ensure that in times of hardship and uncertainty, government responds not with indifference, but with urgency, compassion, and decisive action for the welfare of every Filipino,” Tulfo said.

As the first Social Welfare Secretary under the Marcos administration, it was Tulfo who maximized the use of the DSWD’s AICS program to assist millions of individuals facing difficulties during his term.

Prior to his appointment as DSWD chief, the general public is mostly unaware that there is such a program among the many social support programs of the department.

“To the committees, technical working groups, partner agencies, and hardworking personnel behind this legislation, we thank you for transforming compassion into concrete action.

“To my distinguished colleagues, may we continue to craft laws that are not only responsive, but humane. Laws that recognize that governance is not merely about programs and budgets, but about people, dignity, and hope,” Tulfo added.