Fund solicitation, transparency bill OK’d

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill regulating fund solicitations and requiring transparency and accountability in the use of such money.

Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez Sato, principal author of the bill, said yesterday the measure seeks to put in place mechanisms for public solicitations, particularly during state of calamities or disasters.  

Among other goals, House Bill 5342 aims to increase proceeds allocated for charity projects, protect beneficiaries and impose penalties for violators, and institutionalize check and balance on the use of solicited funds, she said.

Sato said individuals or organizations have to obtain a permit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development before starting their solicitations.

Solicitors have to identify their projects and programs, and beneficiaries, she said.

Sato said the regulation of fund solicitations would prevent unscrupulous individuals or groups from taking advantage of the generosity of institutions and individuals, particularly during disasters.

“It is about time that the government, through the DSWD, checks on the propriety of these public solicitations.”

Under the bill, solicitation permits may be obtained from the DSWD main office or any of its regional, provincial, city and municipal representatives.

It mandates the DSWD to issue implementing regulations in coordination with relevant agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine National Police.