Netizens debate DSWD regulation of donations

By Gaby Baizas

Should government departments regulate public solicitation and donation drives?

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that any person or group looking to solicit donations during the coronavirus pandemic is required to secure a permit from the DSWD.

The department invoked Presidential Decree (PD) 1564, which mandates DSWD to “regulate the solicitation of donations and voluntary contributions from the public sector.”

As per DSWD Administrative Order No. 170, regional fund drives require a processing fee of P500, while national fund drives require a fee of P1,000.

DSWD posted the advisory on their social media accounts Wednesday, April 16.

The posts have since been deleted, and the DSWD said it is reviewing guidelines on solicitation to make processes "more responsive to the emergency situation."

This will include automating the processes, as well as waiving the fees.

Many slammed the department for its unnecessary bureaucratic policies and "red tape", making soliciting donations more difficult.