By MANILA, Philippines — The delay in the ratification of a bill institutionalizing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) was due to technicalities, not opposition to the so-called “anti-epal” provisions, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario said in a statement on Thursday.
Almario heads the House committee on social services, which was responsible for discussing the measure.
He said that they did not block the inclusion of anti-epal provisions, or measures meant to ensure that politicians would not use aid distribution for electioneering and other purposes.
